Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 9th, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
Adam Greenberg,
Although we have not seen any in the park, recent large avalanches have been reported in neighbouring areas failing on deep weak layers. Dial back your terrain choices and avoid large overhead hazard, particularly slopes capped with cornices.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Mainly cloudy with flurries through the next three days. Winds will increase on Saturday night and continue through the next few days at least, reaching up to 115km/h at ridgetop on Monday. The inversion we have been experiencing will break down Sunday night, with alpine highs sitting around -4.
Snowpack Summary
Surface hoar is growing in most areas, but should be blown away by incoming winds. Upper elevations are heavily wind affected, and have recently grown throughout the park. The Dec 9th crust has not been reactive in the Waterton Region as of yet, but large triggers may awaken this weakness. Areas east of the divide hold a thin & faceted snowpack.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches observed in Saturday, but surrounding regions have reported sporadic large cornice triggered avalanches failing on deep weak layers in alpine terrain.
Confidence
Due to the number of field observations
Problems
Wind Slabs
Windslabs continue to be a problem in immediate lee and cross loaded features. If triggered they may have the potential to step down to deeper weak layers
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
- Watch for shooting cracks or stiffer feeling snow. Avoid areas that appear wind loaded.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
Deep weak layers are sporadically waking up in surrounding areas causing large avalanches. Take a conservative approach to terrain, and avoid passing under large slopes; particularly those capped by cornices.
- Minimize exposure to overhead hazard from cornices.
- Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 12th, 2021 4:00PM
