Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Jan 16 – 19, 2015Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 12 years ago

Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

On Sunday, the danger rating could rise if enough snow and wind effect the forecast region. Monitor conditions in your immediate surroundings on Sunday and adjust your terrain choices accordingly.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Windslabs can be found in most open areas over low density snow. In isolated locations these are hard and thick. Test these surface slabs often with your ski poles and modify your route to manage your exposure should they fail.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Continue to watch for this layer which has proven to be extremely variable. Be extra vigilant in thin snowpack areas, where the layer is more likely to be triggered by riders/climbers.

Weather Forecast

Light precipitation and strong wind is forecasted for the next three days. The bulk of the precipitation is forecasted for Sunday morning (~15cm). Expect the danger rating to rise to considerable when this occurs on Sunday.

Snowpack Summary

Windslabs overlying softer snow are the primary surface concern. Surface hoar is also growing in sheltered areas, up to 7mm. In the midpack, the Dec 13 crust is now 60 to 120cm deep. Forecasters did not get any results on this layer on Jan 15 at Grizzly Pass above Cameron Lk. In shallower snowpack areas the layer may be more reactive.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches were observed or reported on Jan 15.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Sunday

Regions covered