Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Waterton Lakes.
Despite low snowpack, use caution when exposing yourself to overhead hazard. Loose dry avalanches observed impacting ice climbing routes. Still not enough snow to ski below treeline.
Weather Forecast
Thursday: 10-15cm of new snow expected by thursday morning. Cloudy and cool. Alpine temps High -8. Moderate SW winds. FL valley bottom.
Friday: Mix of sun and cloud with flurries. Alpine temps High -10 . Strong SW winds. FL valley bottom.
Saturday: Cloudy with chance of flurries. Alpine temps High - 3. Strong to extreme SW winds. FL valley bottom.
Snowpack Summary
5cm of new snow with strong to extreme SW winds adding to windslabs in lees at ALP and TL. Mid and lower snowpack is now consolidated. November melt freeze crusts are 20-30cm above ground. Under 1800m is below threshold. Snowpack at tree line is 70-100cm deep.
Avalanche Summary
Two Na loose dry avalanches observed to size 1.5, out of steep alpine headwall above Wall Lake on monday. Observations in the area are very limited, if you go out into the mountains please share your observations on the Mountain Information Network.
Confidence
Due to the number and quality of field observations
Avalanche Problems
Loose Dry
Steep sheltered areas
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Wind Slabs
- Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2