Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 3rd, 2013 4:26PM

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

Parks Canada conrad janzen, Parks Canada

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Waterton Lakes.

Good skiing in sheltered areas today with easy travel conditions! Cornice hazard and wind slabs remain the main avalanche concerns over the next few days.

Summary

Weather Forecast

The ridge of high pressure will break down over the next several days as a more zonal Westerly flow becomes established. Temperatures remain moderate and seasonal.  Winds will stay in the moderate to strong range especially over Eastern areas of the park. Some light precipitation may be possible on Sunday. 

Snowpack Summary

Some surface hoar growth over the last two days at all elevations.  Light sun crust on steep S aspects.  Moderate W winds creating hard and soft wind slabs in open areas at tree line and in the alpine.  Below this the snowpack is generally well settled with no major shears.  Still some concerns for weak basal facets in shallow snowpack areas.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity over the past two days.  We did see several avalanches up to size 3 out of steep wind loaded alpine terrain a few days ago.  These appeared to be cornice triggered and failing on deeper buried facet layers.  This remains a concern especially in areas where the snowpack depth varies substantially. 

Confidence

Wind effect is extremely variable

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Recent West winds have created hard and soft slabs near ridge crests and in open areas at tree line and in the alpine.  Use your poles to help feel for these and avoid steep wind loaded and cross loaded terrain.
Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 6th, 2013 4:00PM

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