Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 17th, 2012 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs, Loose Dry and Wind Slabs.

brent kozachenko, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

Extreme cold and wind chill Tuesday expected to moderate during the week. Resumption of westerly flow on Thursday or Friday may quickly elevate avalanche danger. Storm snow averaging 30cms, Little Prairie snowpack 123cms.

Summary

Problems

Storm Slabs

Light to moderate easterly winds accompanied the recent storm snow, and may be building soft slabs to 40cms depth or greater. Reverse loading onto west facing slopes is most likely found near ridge tops and constricting terrain features.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Dry

Loose snow sluffing can be expected with the ongoing storm and very cold temperatures. These loose snow avalanches may build mass and run into less steep terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Previously deposited slabs on easterly facing terrain are sitting on a variety of potentially weak crystals and hard crusts. The new storm snow may provide additional loading; human triggering is unlikely but possible in isolated locations.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 20th, 2012 4:00PM