Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 12th, 2016 4:00PM

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

Ruari Macfarlane, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

Great low density snow may be covering Wind Slabs near ridge crests. Danger will be MODERATE in any Treeline areas that received wind - pay attention for stiff or dense feeling snow. Below Treeline, Beware hidden stumps and rocks!

Summary

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: Sunny, high of -17 at Treeline, Light - Moderate North-Westerly winds.Wednesday: Sunny, High of -13 at Treeline, Light Westerly winds.Thursday:Â Incoming Upslope weather system.Â Watch for dropping temperatures, rising winds from the North-East, and Light - Moderate snowfall.

Snowpack Summary

27cm of new snow fell between Friday and Monday. In Eastern areas, this was redistributed by Moderate Westerly winds. Western areas appear to have experienced less wind; but some wind slabs may have formed in immediate lees and wind exposed features.

Avalanche Summary

A road patrol on Monday revealed numerous Small (Size 1 - 1.5) Loose Dry avalanches on all aspects; these were most widespread in the alpine. One Small (Size 1) Wind Slab avalanche was observed at 2400m on an Eastern aspect, immediately lee to ridgetop.

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations

Problems

Loose Dry

This problem is most widespread in the alpine, where new snow totals are highest; but has also been noted in steep ice climbing areas Below Treeline. Skiers, use caution in steep terrain; Climbers, use caution around gullies, and avoid during wind.

On steep slopes, pull over periodically or cut into a new line to manage sluffing.Be very cautious with gully features.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Pay attention for stiffer feeling snow beneath your skis near changes in the terrain. During Thursdays weather event, expect to see this problem switch to South & West facing slopes, and to increase rapidly in size.

The recent snow may now be hiding windslabs that were easily visible before the snow fell.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 15th, 2016 4:00PM