Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Jan 18 – 21, 2019Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

New wind slabs from the incoming storm on Saturday will likely be forming on a recently buried crust and surface hoar layer, creating the potential for touchy conditions. Keep an eye on snowfall amounts and evaluate the bond of the new snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2.5
    Regardless of snowfall amounts, Wind Slabs will continue to build over a crust / surface hoar  layer during the forecast period.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3
    This layer likely requires a large trigger. New wind slabs may step down causing large avalanches.

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY Isolated Flurries. Light SW wind.SATURDAY Snowfall amounts are uncertain. Estimating between 5-20cm. Strong SW Wind. SUNDAY Cloudy with sunny periods. Moderate W Wind.

Snowpack Summary

5-10cm off storm snow on Thursday has fallen over a variety of hard bed surfaces including newly buried Surface Hoar 1600-1900m and a supportive temperature crust up to 2000m. A strong Midpack sits on top of a faceted base.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed. Limited Alpine observations.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Saturday

Regions covered