Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 6th, 2015 4:06PM

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

jonas hoke, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

Current forecast of a strong weather system making it's way to Waterton on Tuesday will hopefully improve ski conditions, but will certainly increase the hazard.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A series of storms currently affecting the south coast are pushing their way inland to varying degrees, bringing light to moderate snow/rain (with the bulk of the precipitation starting Monday night and carrying through Tuesday), with freezing levels rising as high as 2400m by mid week. This will be accompanied by continued strong westerly winds.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 10cm of recent snow has fallen. This overlies a thin melt-freeze crust below 2100m, and old sun crust and wind slab above. Strong SW winds continue to build fresh wind slabs in sheltered lee locations and scour exposed areas back down to old crusts and bare ground. Middle and lower snowpack is well settled with no significant shears.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity has been observed or reported.

Confidence

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

Problems

Wind Slabs

Currently there are only wind slabs in pockets, but this problem will likely increase in potential size with more snow.

Early season hazards such as rocks, trees and stumps are still visible.Be careful with wind loaded pockets

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Storm Slabs

Storm slabs are expected to develop with Tuesdays storm.

Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline. Storm snow will form slabs.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, South West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 9th, 2015 4:00PM