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Avalanche Forecast

Feb 5th, 2024–Feb 8th, 2024
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Waterton, Waterton Lakes.

15-20 cm of new snow fell at Cameron Lake over the weekend. There is decent uphill travel and skiing to be had due to the burly crust that sits underneath. Watch out for fresh wind slabs on all aspects as this snow blows around with variable wind directions through the week.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A few natural dry loose and wind slab avalanches to size 2 were observed on Sunday.

Snowpack Summary

20 - 40 cm of snow fell over the weekend and sits on a crust 10-15 cm thick at all aspects and elevations. Below this, the snowpack is moist to ground at treeline and below. This will slowly refreeze with cooler temperatures this week. The Dec 23rd and basal crusts are currently less of a concern due to the effect of significant warming last week and anticipated refreeze. Significantly less snow in the eastern areas of the park. Snowpack depths between 30 - 150 cm.

Weather Summary

Tues

Mainly cloudy with scattered flurries ending in the morning. Minimal accumulation. Wind SW 40 kph becoming 20. Freezing level valley bottom rising to 1800 m. Alpine high of -5°C.

Weds

Increasing cloudiness with flurries beginning in the evening. Wind light from NW. Alpine high of -6°C.

Thurs

Up to 10 cm of new snow. Light NW wind. Alpine high -8°C.

For more info see: Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for signs of slab formation throughout the day.
  • Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
  • Be carefull with sluffing in steep terrain, especially above cliffs and terrain traps.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Shifting moderate to strong winds may build windslabs on all aspects through the next few days.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Loose Dry

May run far and fast on underlying crust.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5