Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 14th, 2013 4:23PM

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

conrad janzen, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

Good skiing on sheltered N & E aspects today. A caution for daytime warming effect on cornices and steep solar aspects. If Saturdays forecast snow amounts are higher than expected the Avalanche Hazard may rise to Considerable at tree line and above.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A mix of sun and cloud with mild temperatures is expected for Friday.Â Saturday a cold front is expected to bring light to moderate precipitation and gusty NW winds with cooling temperatures.Â Sunday may see some light flurries and a continued NW air flow over the region.

Snowpack Summary

A trace of new snow overnight.Â Sun crust forming on steep solar aspects.Â Wind effect in open areas at tree line and above.Â Wind slabs forming near ridge crests with moderate NW winds.Â Otherwise a well settled snowpack with few weaknesses.

Avalanche Summary

Only a couple of cornice triggered sluffs have been observed out of extreme terrain in the last couple days.Â Recent wind slabs seem to be bonding well to the underlying surfaces but may be susceptible to skier triggering in very steep or unsupported terrain.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Saturday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Currently the wind slabs appear to be bonding well but caution should be used in steep or unsupported terrain where these are present. If the forecast snow arrives with gusty winds on Saturday, new wind slabs will form and the hazard will rise.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Avoid freshly wind loaded features.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 17th, 2013 4:00PM