Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 13th, 2012 4:16PM

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

tim haggarty, Parks Canada

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.

Summary

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

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

Valid until: Dec 16th, 2012 4:00PM