Avalog Join
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 8th, 2013–Jan 11th, 2013
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
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
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

Regions: 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.

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

Avalanche 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