Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 10th, 2012 4:13PM

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

conrad janzen, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

There is good skiing above 1900m in sheltered locations! Below 1900m travel off of the summer trails is still difficult due to shallow snowpack depths.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A continued Westerly flow will persist over the next few days with only light amounts of snow forecast and seasonal temperatures. Light to Moderate SW to W winds will be present in the alpine.

Snowpack Summary

5cm snow overnight sits on wind slabs formed from strong NW winds Sunday. Below this a well settled snowpack with no significant shears was found today near Summit Lake. Snowpack depth at 2000m averages 150cm but there is significant variability in depth due to previously wind transported snow. Snowpack depth tapers off significantly below 1900m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed today. There is certainly potential for skier triggered wind slab avalanches at treeline and in the alpine. Watch for steep wind loaded terrain or thin areas which may be weaker than the surrounding snowpack.

Confidence

Wind effect is extremely variable

Problems

Wind Slabs

There is certainly potential for skier triggered wind slab avalanches at treeline and in the alpine. Watch for steep wind loaded terrain or thin areas which may be weaker than the surrounding snowpack.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 13th, 2012 4:00PM