Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Waterton Lakes.
Hazard will increase dramatically on Friday and Saturday as Waterton receives a heavy snow load on the weekend.
Weather Forecast
Thursday: Mostly sunny. SW wind 30km/h gusting up to 90km/h. Freezing level 1700m
Friday: Mainly cloudy with scattered, wet flurries. SW wind 20km/h gusting 80. Freezing level 1500m
Saturday: Snow. 20- 40 cm is expected in the townsite. Moderate NE winds. Freezing level valley bottom. Potential upslope conditions.
Snowpack Summary
The weekend will have a widespread & reactive storm slab. As of Wednesday, strong-extreme SW winds with intermittent snowfall has aided windslab development. These fresh windslabs are well bonded to the multiple sun & temperature crusts present in the upper snowpack. The midpack is strong, though weaker basal facets still lurk in thin areas.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanche observations.
Significant cornice growth noted throughout Waterton Park.
Confidence
Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Friday
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Up to 35 mm of precipitation is expected Friday pm into Saturday. This could translate to between 20 and 50cm of snow in Waterton park. Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading and give new snow time to settle.
- Keep an eye out for reverse loading created by an upslope storm.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Very Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Wind Slabs
Watch out for heavily loaded pockets near ridgetops or in cross loaded features.
- Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline. Recent storm snow has formed wind slabs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2