Avalog
Register
Get forecast notifications
Create an account to receive email notifications when forecasts are published.
Register
Login
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 23rd, 2020–Jan 26th, 2020
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Waterton Lakes.

Overnight freezing levels will be high, allowing warm temperatures to saturate the front range snowpack. Watch out for wet loose avalanches at tree line and below east of the divide.

Weather Forecast

Thursday night: Freezing level 1600m with 1- 2 mm of precipitation.

Friday: Mainly Cloudy. Freezing level 1800m. Moderate to Strong SW wind. 1-2 mm of precipitation.

Saturday: A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. Freezing level 1400m. Wind SW.

Sunday: Cloudy.1-5mm of precipitation. Freezing level 1400m.

Snowpack Summary

Strong to extreme SW winds have formed wind slabs at all elevations. These windslabs have the potential to trigger weak layers deep in the snowpack during this warm period. The base of the snowpack consists of crusts and weak facets formed early in the season. The snowpack east of the divide is significantly shallower and inherently weaker.

Avalanche Summary

Public report of Natural Sz 1-1.5 loose wet avalanche activity at Bertha Lake on Thursday January 23.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

  • If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
  • Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Loose Wet

If the snowpack dose not freeze overnight the hazard will be significantly higher.

  • Avoid areas with overhead hazard.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

As temperatures warm, the basal facets may become a player again, especially in the relatively shallow front ranges. Consider overhead hazard, the consequence of a small avalanche triggering a deeper slab, and stick to deep well supported terrain.

  • Avoid thin, rocky or unsupported slopes.
  • Avoid areas with overhead hazard.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3