Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 23rd, 2017 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.

jonas hoke, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

While decent skiing can be found in sheltered areas at upper elevations, the biggest hazard may currently be navigating the breakable crust on the return to valley bottom, don't be afraid to make kick turns.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A mix of sun and cloud and a few evening flurries are possible Tuesday, as a weak low pressure center is deflected south of us. A ridge building with high pressure to the North, will give clearing skies for Wednesday, and light to moderate Westerly winds. Temperatures remain consistent with highs of -3,and lows of -11 through the forecast period.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 5cm of new snow overlies: previous wind affected snow, old storm snow in sheltered areas, and a thin breakable rain crust below 1900m. Faceted layers in the mid and lower snowpack remain a concern, particularly in shallow snowpack areas where facetting is more pronounced and triggering is more likely.

Avalanche Summary

A few small size 1 loose snow avalanches were observed out steep terrain on Monday.

Confidence

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Due to the depth of the weak layers triggering is unlikely, but the consequence would be high. Avoid shallow rocky areas in big open terrain. This problem may also exist Below Treeline in the Front Ranges.

Use caution on wide-open slopes - these are the most suspect.Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Watch for fresh Wind Slabs to develop as winds increase later in the week.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1

Valid until: Jan 26th, 2017 4:00PM