Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 20th, 2015–Jan 23rd, 2015

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Waterton Lakes.

Windslabs created over the weekend are less touchy. Check the reactivity of this layer at the local level before you commit to terrain features.

Weather Forecast

Thankfully, we will be entering a period with less wind. Expect one or two centimeters over the next three days with light to moderate wind from the W/NW. Temperatures will range from -4 to -10. The climatic conditions over the next few days will have little effect on the danger ratings.

Snowpack Summary

15cm of storm snow with strong SW wind has created windslabs up to 40cm thick in alpine lee areas over the weekend. Today, in Rowe Cr. forecasters found the new snow bonding to the Jan 16th surface and no results with snowpack tests. Although it appears the new windslabs are less touchy, use a cautious approach where they are present.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches were observed or reported on Jan 15.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

This avalanche problem constitutes winslabs up to 40cm thick on lee features in the alpine. The slabs rest on the Jan 16 layer which is a combo of crusts and surface hoar. Although they are less touchy now than on the weekend, approach with caution.

If triggered the storm slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Although we have received recent extra snow load on this layer, it is not reacting. It is becoming less and less reactive as time goes by. Be mindful in thin snowpack areas, where the layer is more likely to be triggered by riders/climbers.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.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