Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Jan 14 – 18, 2014Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Warm temperatures and sunny days during this chinook may reduce stability on some slopes. Watch for overhead cornice concerns.  The recent wind slabs need to be carefully evaluated as there is great variability in location and thickness. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Open terrain near ridge crests are likely spots to find recent wind slabs. Use your poles and probe to help detect signs of instability.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    More likely areas where the storm slab could be triggered are in steep unsupported terrain.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2–3
    In shallow snowpack areas there is a possibility that the deeper instabilities could be triggered. Our growing snowpack and milder temperatures are helping to reduce the chance that this layer could be triggered in most areas.

Weather Forecast

The strong westerly flow kicks in again early Tuesday. Little in the way of snowfall is expected. Freezing level may rise to 1700 meters later in the week. With the warm temperatures and sunny skies watch for terrain under recently loaded cornices.

Snowpack Summary

25cm of snow over the weekend and into Monday with a strong westerly flow have created storm slab and wind slabs. Triggering is possible in steep unsupported terrain. Deeper instabilities that we have been tracking previously are showing signs of been less of an issue in most areas with improved bridging above. Watch suspect shallower areas.

Avalanche Summary

During the storm on Friday and through Saturday a small avalanche cycle occurred with one large avalanche of note from the Akamina Ridge area  just west of Wall Lake with debris covering the trail to Bennett Pass. Other avalanches from steep north and east terrain were noted but little activity since Saturday.

Confidence

Regions covered