Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Waterton, Waterton Lakes.
The incoming snow will fall on a crust at all aspects and elevations and may bond poorly. Watch for new reactive windslabs forming on this crust. We are expecting a reverse loading pattern, forming wind slabs in unusual places.
Confidence
No Rating
Avalanche Summary
Numerous avalanches were observed from last week's warming including wet loose, persistent slab, and deep persistent slab avalanches to size 2.5.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 20 - 40 cm of snow forecasted for Saturday and Sunday will fall on a surface crust all aspects and elevations. Below this the snowpack is moist to ground treeline and below. This will slowly refreeze with cooler temperatures this week. The Dec 23rd and basal crusts are currently less of a concern due to the effect of significant warming last week and anticipated refreeze. Significantly less snow in the eastern areas of the park. Snowpack depths between 30 - 150 cm.
Weather Summary
Sat
Rain turning to snow through the day as freezing levels lower to valley bottom, totaling 5 - 15 cm. Moderate to strong NE winds, alpine high -2°C.
Sun
15 - 25 cm of snow overnight bringing the total to 20 - 40 cm by Sun morning. Moderate to strong NE winds, alpine high -6°C.
Mon
Clearing with winds switching to light, westerly. Alpine high -4°C.
For more info see: Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for signs of slab formation throughout the day.
- Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Shifting moderate to strong winds may build windslabs on all aspects. However, the primary wind direction is forecasted to be northeasterly throughout the storm. Watch out for reverse loading with this storm.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5