Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Jan 8 – 12, 2013Parks Canada
View on map
Archived · expired 14 years ago

Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
Open full map

Highlights

Strong SW winds and 30cm of snow will increase the avalanche danger to High on Wed. Buried surface hoar was found in sheltered north aspects Monday. Take the time to understand the complexity of the snowpack right now before jumping onto any slope.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–3

  • Persistent Slabs

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

Weather Forecast

Up to 30cm of snow is forecast over the next 48 hours, starting mostly Tuesday afternoon. Warming to above freezing at valley bottom with continued strong SW winds. Winds backing off and temperatures cooling by Thursday.

Snowpack Summary

Jan 5 suncrust/surface hoar layer is now down 15-30cm. SH up to 15mm was found on sheltered N locations. Strong SW winds building new slabs with lots of storm snow available for transport. S and W slopes predominantly scoured with crossloaded features. Buried windslabs lingering in open areas treeline and above produced by moderate SW winds Dec 28.

Avalanche Summary

No new observations but poor visibility. Suspect sluffing out of steep lee terrain with strong SW winds.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Regions covered