Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 24th, 2013 4:01PM

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

conrad janzen, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

Good skiing in sheltered locations today with 10-15cm of new snow overnight. Use caution in wind affected areas as skier triggering of new wind slabs is possible, especially if sun crust or loose facets are present under the wind slabs.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Mostly cloudy through Sunday with light flurries and continued moderate to strong W winds. Light snow is forecast on Saturday. Winds shifting to the NW on Sunday with cooler dryer weather arriving.

Snowpack Summary

10-15 cm of new snow overnight forming wind slabs in open areas at tree line and above with continued moderate to strong SW winds. The new snow appears to be bonding well to the Jan 23 interface which is made up of either sun crust, facets or wind slabs depending on the aspect and elevation. No other significant shears found in the snow pack.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed in the last week. The new wind slabs formed on Thursday will be susceptible to skier triggering in steep terrain over the next few days.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Problems

Wind Slabs

New wind slabs will continue to form over the next few days with flurries and moderate to strong W winds. Probe for these with your poles and avoid steep or unsupported terrain where wind slabs exist especially if they overlie sun crusts or facets.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Be careful with wind loaded pockets

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 27th, 2013 4:00PM