Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Waterton Lakes.
Variable winds and new snow will form slabs on all aspects. If venturing into avalanche terrain, carefully assess the bond of the new snow to the underlying crust.
Weather Forecast
Saturday: Periods of snow Friday night into saturday with accumulations of 15-25cm. Alpine high -5. Strong west winds overnight switching northeast in the morning.
Sunday: Sunny periods and isolated flurries. Moderate northwest wind, alpine high -9 with a weak inversion.
Monday: Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries and continued inversion.
Snowpack Summary
Strong west winds have redistributed 5cm of recent snow, and scoured most areas below 2000m down to a thick melt freeze crust. The alpine is highly wind affected, with many windward areas completely stripped of snow and lee areas containing hard wind slabs. The midpack is well settled, though weaker basal facets can be found in thin areas.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches observed.
Confidence
Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Incoming wind and snow will form slabs at all elevations and aspects. Below 2000m, these will sit on a thick crust which could serve as an excellent bed surface and increase reactivity. Take the time to evaluate the bond of new snow to this layer.
- Be alert to slab conditions that change with elevation.
- Watch for fresh storm slabs on exposed lee slopes at all elevations.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Dry
In Sheltered areas, loose snow avalanches will have the potential to run far and fast on the crust in steep terrain.
- Minimize exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of an avalanche could be serious.
- Be careful of loose dry power sluffing in steep terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5