Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Waterton, Waterton Lakes.
Another big warm-up is on the way. Expect hazard to increase through the weekend as freezing levels rise. Persistent layers may become more reactive with warm temps.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Several large avalanches were observed from last weeks wind event, some failing to persistent layers. No new avalanches observed in the last 72 hours.
Snowpack Summary
Small wind slabs forming in the alpine with strong SW winds. Below 2000m a new crust exists from last weeks warms temps. The Dec 23 melt freeze crust and facets are down 40-100 cm. An early season basal crust complex exists in most places in the alpine and at treeline. Significantly less snow in the eastern areas of the park. Snowpack depths between 30 - 170 cm.
Weather Summary
Sat
Partly cloudy with scattered flurries. Freezing levels will rise to 2300m. Ridgetop winds will be strong to extreme SW
Sun
Partly cloudy with scattered flurries and rain showers. Freezing levels to 2500m with extreme SW winds.
Mon
Partly cloudy with freezing levels rising to 3600 m, strong SW winds.
For more info see: Mountain Weather Forecast.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Be aware windslabs might step down to deeper layers
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Persistent Slabs
This layer is likely out of the ski triggerable range, however could be initiated as a part of a step down avalanche.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3
Loose Wet
Likely to become reactive later in the weekend as the freezing level continues to rise.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2