Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Jan 4 – 7, 2022
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Avalanche danger

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

If 24 hour precipitation amounts exceed  30 cm hazard will increase to HIGH on Tuesday.

Be aware of potential for dry loose avalanches above ice climbs.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Breakable to hard wind slabs are making for challenging skiing and up tracking with new snow.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1.5–3.5

    No avalanches observed on this layer in our tenure however neighboring tenures are still seeing activity. With a large enough trigger this layer could produce results.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely - Very Likely
    Size
    1–1.5

    30 cm of unconsolidated storm snow will likely move as loose dry on top firm surfaces. Watch for sloughing in steep terrain and be mindful of overhead hazard.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche observed with poor visibility. Thanks to everyone posting on the Mountain Information Network, keep up the great work.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Another 20 cm of snow expected atop our current 15 cm tonight.

Tuesday: Overcast with flurries. Moderate W winds. Temp inversion, High -7 in AL, and -25 expected in town.

Wednesday: Partially cloudy. Light N winds. High -18.

Thursday: Cloudy with flurries increasing in PM. Strong WSW winds. High -12.

Snowpack Summary

15 cm of new snow sitting atop 10 - 30 cm hard wind slabs. Mid pack is well settled. Facets are found above Dec 4 crust down 80-120 cm. A 20-60 cm thick Nov crust complex completes the snowpack to ground.

Regions covered