Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 14th, 2019 4:01PM

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

Marcus Waring, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

Recent settlement has generally increased the strength of our snowpack but pockets of Wind Slab exist at higher elevations. Lingering uncertainty about the ability to trigger deep persistent weak layer requires a cautious approach to terrain.

Summary

Weather Forecast

TUESDAYÂ Â Â Â Â Cloudy with sunny periods.Â No precipitation. Light SE wind.WEDNESDAYÂ Â Cloudy with isolated flurries. Trace amounts of snow. SW Wind 25- 35 km/h.THURSDAYÂ Â Â Â Cloudy with scattered flurries.Â 4 cm snow. Freezing Level valley bottom. Moderate E wind.

Snowpack Summary

Surface Hoar development 1600-1800m. Sun crust on solar aspects. 10-30cm Wind slabs in lee terrain over a strong, well-settled midpack. Facets and Depth Hoar at the base of the snowpack remain a concern in shallow snowpack areas.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed last 72 h.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Problems

Wind Slabs

Approach steep lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

Avoid steep convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could trigger the deep persistent slab.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 17th, 2019 4:00PM