Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 26th, 2023–Dec 29th, 2023

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Waterton Lakes, Waterton.

Windslabs may linger after 5-15 cm of snow over the weekend formed with strong to extreme W-SW winds over the past few days. Snow coverage is still minimal at lower elevations, so travel cautiously if you decide to get out in the backcountry.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A few size 1 loose-dry and slab avalanches have been observed in steep rocky terrain.

Snowpack Summary

Storm snow from the weekend has formed windslabs in the Alpine and at Treeline which sits on older wind slabs and a basal crust in the alpine. Due to previous warm temps and rain there is very little snow on the ground below 1800 m.

Weather Summary

Wed

Mainly sunny. Wind SW 20 becoming 50. Alpine high +6, FL 3200 m

Thurs

Wind SW strong to extreme. Alp High: -6, FL: 1900 m

Fri

Moderate SW winds. Alp High: 0, FL: 1800 m.

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

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.