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Avalanche Forecast

Dec 13th, 2012–Dec 16th, 2012
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
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
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
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
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
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.

Good skiing to be had up high but it is still pretty rough at lower elevations with a lot of early season hazards to watch for. Use summer trails for fast and safe access. Look  for sheltered areas to avoid windslabs and find  the best skiing.

Weather Forecast

Light West winds and light snow incoming Friday. Saturday should see very light precip with Winds increasing to strong. Continued cool temperatures throughout.

Snowpack Summary

Thin and spotty surface slabs forming with moderate SW winds now cover the widespread slabs developed with the strong west winds over the last week. Four crusts are found in the shallow snowpack below 1900m (1m-)  however above this, the snowpack seems quite uniform and depth increases quickly (150cm+) with only a moist basal melt freeze layer.

Avalanche Summary

Very little natural activity to speak of although there are some ripe looking start zones waiting for a trigger. Cornices also are continuing to grow and many look fragile. 

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Saturday

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

New snow and moderate SW winds are creating thin and spotty surface slabs. These now hide buried windslabs that are quite developed from strong winds in the last few days. Use your poles to help detect these hidden slabs.
The recent snow may now be hiding windslabs that were easily visible before the snow fell.Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2