Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Waterton Lakes.
Saturday nights storm brought 15-25cm of snow to the park, and triggering storm slabs becomes more likely the higher you go. Take the time to evaluate the density and bond of the new snow before committing to a piece of terrain.
Weather Forecast
Monday: Cloudy with isolated flurries with an alpine high of -11. Moderate west winds.
Tuesday: Cloudy with isolated flurries with an alpine high of -6. Moderate west to northwest winds and strong winds overnight
Wednesday: Cloudy with isolated flurries with an alpine high of -6. Moderate west winds.
Snowpack Summary
15-25cm low density storm snow coupled with moderate west winds has formed new slabs in the alpine and treeline. This overlies previous windslabs and a crust below 2200m. A melt freeze crust complex formed throughout October and November forms the base of the snowpack, and this will be a layer to keep an eye on as the season continues.
Avalanche Summary
Saturday night's snowfall brought enough snow and wind to trigger a limited avalanche cycle in lee alpine terrain along the Akamina Parkway. No new avalanches observed in the less snowy front ranges. Neighbouring operations have reported large avalanches running on the October and November melt freeze crusts with large explosive triggers.
Confidence
Due to the number of field observations
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Increasing westerly winds will continue to build slabs at treeline and in the alpine. Though natural activity will taper off as the week progresses, these are expected to be reactive to skier traffic.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets. Be aware of wide variation in snowpack depth
- Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2