Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Waterton Lakes.
The wind effected upper snowpack will be stressed by rapid warming caused by a strong temperature inversion in our area. Be mindful of your overhead hazard if you plan on venturing into the backcounty this weekend.
Weather Forecast
Alpine temperature inversion will be prevalent throughout the forecast period.
Thurs night- Freezing levels at valley bottom.
Friday- Mostly Sunny. Strong West wind in townsite, moderate at Cameron Lake. Alpine high of +5 with cooler temps at lower elevations.
Saturday- Sunny. Freezing levels above mt. top with inversion.
Sunday- Sunny. Alpine high 0.
Snowpack Summary
Wind transport has scoured SW aspects to ground in exposed alpine terrain. Northerly aspects & protected areas have wind slab 5-40cm thick over a melt freeze crust. Lower snowpack is beginning to facet below this crust.
Snowpack @ 2000m: Cameron Lake 80cm. Less than 30cm in rest of park. Below tree line elevation is under threshold snowpack height.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches observed.
Confidence
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
This problem may be difficult to perceive with the strong temperature inversion keeping temperatures relatively cool at lower elevations. Be mindful of exposure to overhead hazard.
- Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Wind Slabs
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5