Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Waterton Lakes.
Winds have been whipping in Waterton, be cautious of thin rocky areas where it may be possible to trigger deeper layers.
Weather Forecast
Tuesday: Cloudy with sunny periods and no new snow. Strong SW winds and a high of -7.
Wednesday: Sun and cloud, moderate SW winds and a high of -5.
Thursday: Flurries depositing 5-10cm of new snow. Moderate SW winds and a high of -6
Snowpack Summary
A true rockies snowpack! Windslabs exist at all elevations, especially in burnt areas. A problematic weak crust facet combo formed in November is down 60cm, and additional crust/facet layers formed in October form the bottom of the snowpack.
Avalanche Summary
Scattered small naturally triggered windslabs have been spotted in lee areas at treeline and below in the past few days.
Confidence
Timing of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Friday
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Strong to extreme winds have stripped fetches in the alpine, leaving very little snow available for transport. Newer wind slabs exist at treeline and below, especially in burnt areas.
- Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets. Be aware of wide variation in snowpack depth
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
Melt freeze crusts and facets from early season snowfalls are lurking at the bottom of the snowpack. Test results and previous avalanches lead us to believe human triggering of this layer is unlikely, but not out of the question.
- If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
- Avoid thin rocky or unsupported terrain features.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3