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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 24th, 2013–Dec 27th, 2013
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Waterton Lakes.

Thin coverage over rocks and stumps remains a significant hazard. Do not let these conditions push you into areas where persistent slabs can be triggered. The best skiing can be found on supportive, modest-angled slopes near treeline-Merry Christmas!

Weather Forecast

West winds will continue. Expect some sunny periods Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday with 5cm of precipitation expected for Thursday. Temperatures will be warm for the period however Thursday and Friday look to be very warm. Sun or Precipitation during this warm period could have negative effects on both snow stability and ski quality.

Snowpack Summary

10 to 15 cm of snow from the last 72 hours with near freezing temperatures, and significant W winds, have led to the formation of thin and soft storm slabs above the previous wind scoured and hardened surfaces. The sugary Faceted Crystals associated with the November Crusts are buried 50 to 70 cm presenting a weak layer that remains of interest.

Avalanche Summary

One significant wind slab released on the steep wind loaded face above Wall Lake on Saturday. 

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Thin and soft slabs formed with recent snow and warm temperatures can be found almost everywhere. With time, the forecast West Winds will likely redistribute this snow to form wind slabs near ridgelines and in gully features.
Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Weak snow associated with crusts formed in Mid and early November can be found down about 70cm. This seems to be less significant on Southerly aspects. Triggering planar slopes from thin areas remains a possibility to consider.
Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3