The storm is upon us, the next couple days will be a great time to visit your local ski resort! If you do choose to go out make conservative terrain choices until the avalanche cycle has run its course and the snow has settled.
Several crusts are now being buried in our snowpack. The most concerning is the Feb 03 crust which has a sensitive layer of facets above it in many places. We suspect this layer will become more sensitive with the additional load.
Significant snow is falling, with higher accumulations in the SW corner of the park. Expect a moist storm slab problem at lower elevations and windslabs in exposed terrain.
One size 2 natural windslab was observed on Bertha Peak above the Waterton townsite.
Strong to extreme SW winds are rapidly building windslabs at all elevations. The Feb 3rd crust is down 50-100cm and has a thin layer of weak facets above it. The lower snowpack is a well-settled crust/facet complex to the ground. Average snowpack depths are between 100 - 175 cm.
Thurs
Heavy snow, up to 40cm possible with strong to extreme SW winds. Freezing levels around 1900m
Fri
Temps cool and freezing levels fall back to valley bottom. Light snow continues, about 5cm with moderate SW winds.
Sat
Cool temps continue with freezing levels at valley bottom. Light snow and cloudy skies. Moderate SW winds
For more info see: Mountain Weather Forecast.
