Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 18th, 2016 5:46PM

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

Ruari Macfarlane, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

Forecasters are keeping a keen eye out for activity on a weak layer buried in the upper snowpack, and you should too! Let us, and everyone else know if you see anything interesting: submit to the Mountain Information Network, at www.avalanche.ca.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Generally little change from our current weather through the next three days (with one exception...read on) ... sun/cloud to mainly cloudy, Moderate to Strong W-SW winds, and mild temperatures. Wednesday morning is the exception... current forecasts predict anywhere from 2-10cm of snowfall, along with a temporary drop in windspeed and temperatures.

Snowpack Summary

30cm of recent snowfall has made for great skiing below treeline. Strong SW-W winds have redistributed this to form Wind slabs on lee / cross loaded slopes. Down 30-45cm lies a weak layer of Facets and large Surface Hoar on shady aspects, or 1-2cm of sun crust on solar aspects. The new snow appears to be bonding well to this layer below treeline.

Avalanche Summary

Several Natural Wind Slab and Loose Dry avalanches were observed from N and E aspects in the Alpine during the past 36 hours, upto Size 1.5. New glide cracks have been noted in alpine terrain on the South aspect of Mt Carthew, adjacent to exposed rocks.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Wednesday

Problems

Wind Slabs

These Wind Slabs are widespread, but generally stubborn at treeline. However, they may be touchy and propagate widely where they sit directly on a weak layer of suncrust/facets/surface hoar buried during early January. Avoid obviously loaded slopes.

Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.Avoid steep lee and cross-loaded features

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 21st, 2016 4:00PM