Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 4th, 2013–Dec 7th, 2013

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: 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.

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

Avalanche 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