Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Waterton Lakes.
Looks like Santa has a tailwind this year! Strong winds on Thursday have created new windslabs. If triggered these could step down to deeper layers causing large avalanches. Be conservative in your terrain choices and stay safe for the holidays!
Weather Forecast
Friday: Sun and Cloud with moderate SW winds and in inversion. High -3
Saturday: Cloudy with Flurries with Moderate SW winds. High -5
Sunday: Cloudy with Flurries and light winds. High -8.
Snowpack Summary
30cm of recent snow has been transported by strong SW-W winds. In the Cameron Lake area wind affect is less prevalent. A new rain crust (December 23) exists down 15cm below 1900m. Above this elevation, the December 9th melt freeze crust may remain a problem. The midpack is well consolidated with an ice crust forming the base of the snowpack.
Avalanche Summary
A few recent naturally triggered wind slabs were noted on Thursday to size 2 in southeast through northeast treeline features along the Akamina Parkway.
Confidence
Due to the number and quality of field observations
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Strong winds on Thursday have stripped windward slopes and created windslabs in lee areas. This appears to be less of a problem at treeline and below in the area immediately around Cameron Lake.
- Watch for shooting cracks or stiffer feeling snow. Avoid areas that appear wind loaded.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
Quite a bit of uncertainty exits around the December 9 persistent weak layer in our region. It can be found down 30-80cm, and may respond to large triggers such as smaller avalanches or cornice failures in deeper areas, or humans in shallow areas.
- Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely
Expected Size: 1 - 3