Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 4th, 2013 4:06PM

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

Parks Canada conrad janzen, Parks Canada

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Waterton Lakes.

Wind slabs remain the primary hazard in our snowpack.  If snowfall amounts are more than forecast the hazard will increase.  Good skiing was found today on sheltered N and E aspects near Cameron Lake.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Continued Moderate to Strong NW to W winds over the next few days with light snow accumulations.  Freezing levels are forecast to rise to 1400m during the day but drop back down for night. 

Snowpack Summary

Moderate to strong west winds creating soft and hard slabs in open areas.  These wind slabs appear to be bonding well to the previous surfaces.  Sun crust on South aspects.  In shallow snowpack areas the hard slabs over the basal facets are still a concern in steep and/or confined terrain.  No other significant shears found in the snowpack.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity has been observed in the last few days.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Wind slabs will continue to form with light snow fall and moderate to strong West winds over the next few days.  Probe for these with your poles and dig down to check the bond with previous surfaces before committing to steep terrain.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 7th, 2013 4:00PM

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