Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 1st, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
mconlan,
Avalanche Canada
Assess for wind slabs in steep terrain prior to committing.
Summary
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
A small (size 1) wind slab avalanche was triggered by explosives on Saturday. Several large (size 2 to 3) wind slabs were observed in the neighbouring Waterton Lakes National Park, releasing in alpine terrain on easterly aspects between 2000 and 2300 m.
Looking ahead, riders could trigger wind slabs in lee terrain features near ridges. It is possible that sunny skies could produce small wet loose avalanches on steep sun-exposed slopes.
Snowpack Summary
Around 20 cm of snow overlies a hard melt-freeze crust up to around 2000 m. Strong southwest wind redistributed the surface snow, stripping it from wind-exposed terrain and forming wind slabs in lee terrain features near ridgelines. Moist snow or a surface crust may be found up to around 1600 m on all aspects and to ridgetop on sun-exposed slopes.
The middle of the snowpack is generally consolidated and sits above weak, faceted snow near the ground.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Partly cloudy with no precipitation, 10 km/h west wind, treeline temperature -6 °C.
Monday
Sunny with no precipitation, 10 km/h south wind, treeline temperature -5 °C.
TuesdaySunny with no precipitation, 10 km/h south wind, treeline temperature -6 °C.
WednesdayMix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, 20 to 40 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperature -10 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Use caution when approaching steep and rocky terrian.
- Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
- Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs may still be found in steep, lee terrain features on north and east facing slopes.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 2nd, 2023 4:00PM
