Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 15th, 2015 4:00PM

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

aaron beardmore, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

On Sunday, the danger rating could rise if enough snow and wind effect the forecast region. Monitor conditions in your immediate surroundings on Sunday and adjust your terrain choices accordingly.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Light precipitation and strong wind is forecasted for the next three days. The bulk of the precipitation is forecasted for Sunday morning (~15cm). Expect the danger rating to rise to considerable when this occurs on Sunday.

Snowpack Summary

Windslabs overlying softer snow are the primary surface concern. Surface hoar is also growing in sheltered areas, up to 7mm. In the midpack, the Dec 13 crust is now 60 to 120cm deep. Forecasters did not get any results on this layer on Jan 15 at Grizzly Pass above Cameron Lk. In shallower snowpack areas the layer may be more reactive.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches were observed or reported on Jan 15.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Sunday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Windslabs can be found in most open areas over low density snow. In isolated locations these are hard and thick. Test these surface slabs often with your ski poles and modify your route to manage your exposure should they fail.

If triggered the storm slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Continue to watch for this layer which has proven to be extremely variable. Be extra vigilant in thin snowpack areas, where the layer is more likely to be triggered by riders/climbers.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 18th, 2015 4:00PM