Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Waterton Lakes.
The snowpack in the park changes dramatically as you leave the area immediately around Cameron Lake. Take the time to evaluate conditions locally if you move east of the Divide.
Weather Forecast
Wednesday through Friday will bring relatively similar conditions: Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries bringing up to 10cm of snow spread over the three days, moderate to strong SW ridgetop winds, and alpine highs of -7.
Snowpack Summary
Snow depth is highly variable, and alpine and front range areas are very wind affected. The Cameron Lake area has seen much less wind treeline and below. The December 9 crust facet combo is down 30-80cm, still giving hard sudden results in test profiles. A sandwich of crusts and facets form the base of the snowpack.
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanches observed
Confidence
The weather pattern is stable
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Windslabs could respond to human traffic in steep unsupported features, or thin areas where they sit on basal facets.
- Best conditions found on sheltered aspects.
- Watch for shooting cracks or stiffer feeling snow. Avoid areas that appear wind loaded.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
We are reluctant to put much trust in deeper weak layers. The December 9 Crust/facet combo can be found down 30-80cm, and may respond to large triggers such as smaller avalanches or cornice failures. Basal facets are also on our radar in thin areas.
- If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
- Avoid steep convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5