Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 18th, 2023 4:00PM

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

KT, Avalanche Canada

Waterton Lakes, Waterton.

Travel on skis is still very difficult, some eager skiers have been travelling uphill in boots. If you do venture out be very careful as many early-season hazards still exist. See this MIN for photos of conditions.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche activity has been observed.

Snowpack Summary

As of Dec 18: Strong to extreme winds continue, however very little snow is still available for transport. Old wind slabs exist in the alpine and treeline 20 - 50 cm deep. This overlies crust on the ground. Total snowpack depths average 30 - 50 cm.

Wednesday

Thursday

Weather Summary

Tues

Mainly cloudy, strong to extreme SW winds, freezing level falling to 2100 m. Light snow near Continental Divide, 2-10 cm possible

Wed

Strong to extreme west or southwest winds continue bringing flurries near the Continental Divide

FL 2000 m

Thurs

Mainly cloudy, strong to extreme W winds, flurries near Continental divide. Freezing levels falling to valley bottom

For more info see: Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.

Problems

Wind Slabs

The old windslab is moving towards unreactive, but a new thin windslab may build with incoming precip

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 21st, 2023 4:00PM