Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 17th, 2012–Jan 20th, 2012

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

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

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

Regions: 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.

Avalanche 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