Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 16th, 2015 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Dry, Storm Slabs and Persistent Slabs.

jonas hoke, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

Great skiing persists, particularly around treeline. Get out there and enjoy it! But watch for fresh storm slab development as soon as the winds pick up. JH

Summary

Weather Forecast

Several well organized low pressure systems making landfall on the central coast over the next few days will mostly be held off from influencing our area by a high pressure center over norther BC/Alberta. Thankfully, on Friday a front will make it through, and we can expect to see snowfall in the amount of 10-15 cm by Saturday afternoon.

Snowpack Summary

10-15 cm of new snow overnight burying previously visible storm slabs formed by SW-NW winds. 3 buried crusts exist; two from early December are widespread below tree-line, and one from mid November which exists at all elevations and has a highly variable depth as it was scoured clean in exposed areas prior to the heavy rain/snow event on Dec. 8th.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity has been observed or reported.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Friday

Problems

Loose Dry

Watch for sloughs running fast and far where previous crusts are near the surface.

Use caution above cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.Avoid ice climbs exposed to steep rocky terrain on solar aspects during the middle of the day.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1

Storm Slabs

Previous storm slabs have not been reactive for several days.Watch for fresh storm slab development when the wind increases.

Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Be cautious in shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 19th, 2015 4:00PM