Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Waterton, Waterton Lakes.
Travel is still very challenging due to low snow cover at low elevations. Big changes to the snowpack in the next three days with an incoming atmospheric river. Check updated weather forecasts regularly and choose conservative terrain.
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
One size 1 windslab on a SE aspect on Mt Rowe. Nearby ski resorts reported skier accidentals to size 1.5 with new windslabs failing on facets.
Snowpack Summary
As of Dec 4, 10-30 cm storm snow with S-X SW winds have formed windslabs up to 50 cm deep. This overlies an weak early season snowpack made up of old windlsabs and facets. Basal crusts can be found in some areas above 1800m. Below Treeline is only at threshold in lee areas near the divide.
Incoming atmospheric river will likely have a dramatic effect on the snowpack, and lower elevations may be flushed out completely.
Weather Summary
Tues
Rain up to 10mm during the day with strong to extreme SW winds. Freezing levels will be above ridgetop with an alpine high of +4
Wed
Rain continues with strong to extreme ridgetop winds. Freezing levels remain at ridgetop but forecast to drop into the evening
Thurs
Snow through the day 10-25cm possible. Winds decreasing through the day to moderate SW.
For more weather info see the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Avalanche Problems
Wet Slabs
Windslabs have transitioned to wet slabs as snowpack is now saturated to ground. Warm temps and rain may make slabs more sensitive to triggering.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Wet
In steep terrain where snowpack is thin and unconsolidated expect loose wet avalanches as rain continues.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5