Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 14th, 2013 2:31PM

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

jon stuart-smith, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

Strong West winds have stripped many areas of snow and left windslabs in many others. Early season hazards remain with careful route route selection and conservative travel necessary if venturing off of the trails especially at lower elevations.

Summary

Weather Forecast

We are emerging from a very cold and windy period. Until we receive small amounts of new snow this weekend there remains very little snow left for the wind to transport. The increasing temperatures are the most important factor for travelers to consider right now.Â Although slabs are settling, slab strength be lowest during temperature peaks.

Snowpack Summary

Little Prairie: 63cm snow. Summit Lake: 120 cm. Strong winds since 1208 have scoured Western slopes and created windslabs. The facet and melt freeze crust interface below these slabs is likely gaining strength however triggering these slabs will remain a possibility as temperatures continue to rise.

Avalanche Summary

In the last 3 days in the Park, a few windslabs failed during periods of intense loading near ridgelines and in open gully features at or below treeline. In nearby areas there have been reports of both controlled and accidental avalanches involving windslabs in similar terrain.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

These slabs will be lurking in the areas that look appealing with the thin coverage: open areas on the lee of ridgelines and along the lee portions of lower elevation fan and gully features.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 17th, 2013 4:00PM