Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 19th, 2012 4:00PM

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

tim haggarty, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

While warm and windy conditions have kept snow accumulation to a minimum, be aware that some avalanche hazard does exist. Visitor Safety technicians will start producing regular Avalanche Bulletins each Tuesday and Friday beginning on December 1.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Expecting continued warm temps with minimal accumulations

Snowpack Summary

Warm temperatures and strong winds have persisted for the last week Minor accumulation amounts for this period above 1500m only. S and W slopes are largely scoured. HS at LP has settled to one half its original value.

Avalanche Summary

None - Of note however are the collapse of many water ice routes: Expert's Choice, Quick and Dirty ,Compound Slabs, etc have all gone from nearly formed to total collapse in the last 48hrs.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Although likely to be isolated and discontinuous, these should be obvious. Skiers looking for deeper snow patches should be wary. These may also be found approaching or above many of the forming ice routes and could be triggered with wind or warming

There is not enough snow to travel on skis yet.Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 20th, 2012 4:00PM