Avalanche Forecast
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