Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 8th, 2013 8:04AM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.

jon stuart-smith, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

Strong SW winds and 30cm of snow will increase the avalanche danger to High on Wed. Buried surface hoar was found in sheltered north aspects Monday. Take the time to understand the complexity of the snowpack right now before jumping onto any slope.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Up to 30cm of snow is forecast over the next 48 hours, starting mostly Tuesday afternoon. Warming to above freezing at valley bottom with continued strong SW winds. Winds backing off and temperatures cooling by Thursday.

Snowpack Summary

Jan 5 suncrust/surface hoar layer is now down 15-30cm. SH up to 15mm was found on sheltered N locations. Strong SW winds building new slabs with lots of storm snow available for transport. S and W slopes predominantly scoured with crossloaded features. Buried windslabs lingering in open areas treeline and above produced by moderate SW winds Dec 28.

Avalanche Summary

No new observations but poor visibility. Suspect sluffing out of steep lee terrain with strong SW winds.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Problems

Wind Slabs

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 11th, 2013 4:00PM