Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 5th, 2018 4:00PM

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

Timothy Johnson, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

Be cautious in steep terrain and gullies where small avalanches can bury you in a terrain trap.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Temperatures are staying warm through the weekend with the possibility of flurries. Winds look to remain moderate to strong from the west.

Snowpack Summary

The Waterton townsite has had daytime temperatures above freezing which is quickly settling the snow-pack. The top 5cm of the snow-pack is moist but continues to be dry below. Moderate to strong west wind has moved lots of snow around at ridge-top. Wind exposed areas are windblown to ground except for deposition zones and gullies.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches

Confidence

Problems

Loose Wet

Watch for small wet avalanches from steep and rocky terrain in the sun.

Avoid traveling on ledges and cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1

Wind Slabs

Strong winds have deposited snow into gullies and bowls

Be careful with wind loaded pocketsDue to the lack of snowcover, patches of windslab will stand out and be easy to recognize.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 8th, 2018 4:00PM