Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 11th, 2019 4:22PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

Marcus Waring, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

Snowfall amounts on Tuesday are uncertain but Windslab will continue to build regardless of storm totals.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Tonight: 2 cm of snow overnight. -20Tuesday: 10-15cm of snow throughout the day. Moderate SW winds with Strong to Extreme gusts.Wednesday: Mainly Cloudy with isolated flurries. Moderate West Winds. Alpine high -8.Thursday: A mix of sun and cloud with Moderate SW wind,. Alpine high -6.

Snowpack Summary

10-20cm of facetting storm snow has added to the formation of Windlsab in the alpine and at ridge top. Windslab will continue to be a primary concern on Tuesday as the forecasted snow is accompanied by moderate - extreme winds. The Midpack is strong in deep snowpack areas but the facets at the base of the snowpack remain a concern in shallow areas.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Tuesday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Ski quality is best in sheltered trees.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

A layer of weak facets is lurking at the bottom of the snowpack. Though there has been limited activity on this layer, it is still on our mind with consistent sudden collapse results in test profiles.

Avoid steep convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Feb 14th, 2019 4:00PM