Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 4th, 2013 8:56AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

edwin knox, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

The additional 25 to 35 cm on Monday pushed the snow depth to 100 cm in areas above 1900 meters. Alders, stumps and rocks are still not safely buried.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Continuing cold with a light northerly flow. No new snow load forecast. Temperatures moderating somewhat by Saturday.

Snowpack Summary

Little Prairie has 67cm snow . Summit Lake = 100 cm total. Instabilities within the 25 to 35 cm of storm slab and at the old snow faceted interface indicate skiers could trigger avalanches in steep unanchored terrain at higher elevation areas.

Avalanche Summary

Limited observations due to poor visibility.

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable

Problems

Storm Slabs

Higher elevation, lee slopes and gully feature areas may have developed wind slabs during the storm that came in from the north. Evaluate the snowpack for stability prior to stepping into it. Limited field observations thus far this season.

Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.Be cautious of buried obstacles in shallow snowpack areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 7th, 2013 4:00PM