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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 2nd, 2024–Feb 5th, 2024

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

Waterton Lakes, Waterton.

The incoming snow will fall on a crust at all aspects and elevations and may bond poorly. Watch for new reactive windslabs forming on this crust. We are expecting a reverse loading pattern, forming wind slabs in unusual places.

Confidence

No Rating

Avalanche Summary

Numerous avalanches were observed from last week's warming including wet loose, persistent slab, and deep persistent slab avalanches to size 2.5.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 20 - 40 cm of snow forecasted for Saturday and Sunday will fall on a surface crust all aspects and elevations. Below this the snowpack is moist to ground treeline and below. This will slowly refreeze with cooler temperatures this week. The Dec 23rd and basal crusts are currently less of a concern due to the effect of significant warming last week and anticipated refreeze. Significantly less snow in the eastern areas of the park. Snowpack depths between 30 - 150 cm.

Weather Summary

Sat

Rain turning to snow through the day as freezing levels lower to valley bottom, totaling 5 - 15 cm. Moderate to strong NE winds, alpine high -2°C.

Sun

15 - 25 cm of snow overnight bringing the total to 20 - 40 cm by Sun morning. Moderate to strong NE winds, alpine high -6°C.

Mon

Clearing with winds switching to light, westerly. Alpine high -4°C.

For more info see: Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for signs of slab formation throughout the day.
  • Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.