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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 23rd, 2019–Dec 26th, 2019
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Waterton Lakes.

This is a dangerous time. We are through the storm and natural activity will begin to taper off, but the potential for large avalanches running to the valley bottom remains. Human triggering of avalanches is likely.

Weather Forecast

Freezing levels will remain will sit around 1600m today, and slowly descend through the week. Light flurries are expected with strong westerly winds monday morning easing off in the evening.

Snowpack Summary

60cm+ of wet snow and rain in the Cameron Lake area has arrived with extreme northwest winds and a freezing level around 1900m, critically loading the snowpack. A weak crust facet combo formed in November is down 60cm, and additional crust/facet layers formed in October form the bottom of the snowpack.

Avalanche Summary

A widespread natural cycle was observed on Saturday along the Red Rock and Akamina parkways, with avalanches to size 2 in the storm snow and some larger ones failing on deep persistent weak layers. A size 3 natural avalanche occurred on Mt Bertha early Sunday morning covering the Bertha Falls trail in debris.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Continued winds will ensure storm slabs remain reactive.

  • Use caution in alpine and open treeline lees. Recent snowfall has created storm slabs.
  • If triggered the storm slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Recent Rain, snow and warm temperatures has overloaded early season weak layers causing large avalanches. As activity on this layer begins to slow down, be aware of the potential for large triggers such as cornices to cause large avalanches.

  • Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain, large avalanches may reach the end of run out zones.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3