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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 19th, 2024–Feb 22nd, 2024
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
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Waterton, Waterton Lakes.

Good riding to be had on sheltered slopes. Exposed areas are wind affected and wind slabs may be triggerable.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Several natural wind slab avalanches to size 2 were observed in the alpine on Sunday. A nearby ski hill triggered a size 2 persistent slab avalanche on a facet crust layer on Saturday with explosives.

Snowpack Summary

Moderate westerly winds have built windslabs in the alpine and at treeline in exposed areas. 30-40 cm of unconsolidated snow exists in sheltered slopes. This overlies older windslabs and faceted snow above the Feb 3rd crust. Below this, the snowpack is settled with a crust/facet complex near the ground. Average snowpack depths are between 100 - 150 cm.

Weather Summary

Tues

A mix of sun and cloud with flurries. 2 cm of snow. Wind SW 50 kph. Freezing level rising to 2000 m.

Wed

A mix of sun and cloud with scattered flurries. Minimal accumulation. Wind W 30-40 kph. Freezing level rising to 1800 m.

Thurs

Mainly cloudy, no significant precip expected. Freezing level valley bottom. Alpine high -7°C. Winds moderate W.

For more info see: Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Continued winds may add to this problem.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

A layer of 5-10 cm of facets lies above the Feb 3 crust. There is high uncertainty with this problem but neighbouring areas have triggered this with explosives.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5