Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 20th, 2012 4:00PM

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

brent kozachenko, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

More snow expected Fri. night, with 20cms likely near the divide. Westerly winds increasing Saturday PM to 60-80km/hr. Lots of loose snow for transport, expect avalanche danger to increase quickly on N and E'ly lee slopes, and other lee terrain.

Summary

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm snow in the range of 40-50cms was deposited over the past few days. Resuming light to moderate westerly winds will quickly redistribute this light snow onto north and easterly facing slopes and other lee terrain features.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

Previously deposited slabs on easterly facing terrain are sitting on a variety of potentially weak crystals and hard crusts. The new storm snow may provide additional loading; human triggering is unlikely but possible in isolated locations.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 23rd, 2012 4:00PM