Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Waterton Lakes.
Lots of windslab in the front range but good skiing can be found in sheltered areas West of the divide.
Weather Forecast
Tuesday: A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries in the early AM. Light West Wind. Freezing level valley bottom.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny. Light to moderate West wind. Freezing level valley bottom.
Thursday: Mostly Sunny. Moderate SW wind. Freezing level rising to 1400m.
Snowpack Summary
Sheltered areas, such as Cameron Lake, are skiing well & only have a few isolated pockets of windslab at ridgetop. Wind exposed areas have new & old windslabs sitting over a melt freeze crust which exists up to 2200m. Reactivity of this crust is highly variable. The midpack is well settled, though weaker basal facets can be found in thin areas.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanche observations in the past 48 hours.
Significant cornice growth noted in the alpine.
Confidence
Wind effect is extremely variable
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
The reactivity of these windslabs is extremely variable. Avoid heavily loaded areas and be aware that below 2200m, windslabs sit on a thick melt freeze crust which could serve as an excellent bed surface.
- If you are increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain, do it gradually as you gather information.
- 1006
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Deep Persistent Slabs
This problem is more prevalent in shallow snowpack areas. Use caution moving from thick to thin spots as our area has an incredibly variable snowpack depth.
- If triggered the storm slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3