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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 7th, 2014–Jan 10th, 2014
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Waterton Lakes.

Ski season seems to have finally arrived! Despite the new snow, remember to be conservative with terrain choice. A dry and windy December has left us with a thin snowpack that can vary a great deal in a short space.

Weather Forecast

Temperatures look to be fairly steady with freezing levels right around the townsite level. We expect the West winds to continue. 10 to 20 cm of snow is expected through to the weekend arriving mainly Thursday and Friday. This additional snow combined with the wind will likely cause and increase in the avalanche hazard as we approach the weekend.

Snowpack Summary

40 cm fell with the Storm Friday. Strong West winds blew Sunday and Moderate West winds continued to build fresh wind slabs Monday. Thin spotty slabs can be found behind exposed features well below treeline and more significant slabs exist at higher elevations. 30 to 40 cm off of the ground a weak layer of sugary faceted crystals remains a concern.

Avalanche Summary

Observations on a wildlife survey flight Sunday confirmed a widespread cycle of loose dry avalanches to sz 2 throughout the Park. In N and E alpine slopes that were rapidly loaded during the storm these minor slides triggered several examples of deep persistent slabs to sz 2.5 and up to 1.5m deep on steep, planar or unsupported slopes.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong West winds made quick work of the 40 cm of snow that fell before the weekend. Thin, spotty wind slabs found behind exposed features well below treeline can be easily triggered by skiers. Expect these slabs to be more significant TL and above.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.The best powder will be found in sheltered locations at or below treeline.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

This weak layer of snow persists 30 to 40 cm above the ground. Triggering a wind slab could produce the large load necessary to wake this layer up. Use caution in thin areas particularly with steep, planar, or unsupported slopes.
Use conservative route selection, stick to moderate angled terrain with low consequence.Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3