Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 3rd, 2022 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Loose Dry, Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.

Lynnea Baker,

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Waterton Lakes.

If 24 hour precipitation amounts exceed  30 cm hazard will increase to HIGH on Tuesday.

Be aware of potential for dry loose avalanches above ice climbs.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Another 20 cm of snow expected atop our current 15 cm tonight.

Tuesday: Overcast with flurries. Moderate W winds. Temp inversion, High -7 in AL, and -25 expected in town.

Wednesday: Partially cloudy. Light N winds. High -18.

Thursday: Cloudy with flurries increasing in PM. Strong WSW winds. High -12.

Snowpack Summary

15 cm of new snow sitting atop 10 - 30 cm hard wind slabs. Mid pack is well settled. Facets are found above Dec 4 crust down 80-120 cm. A 20-60 cm thick Nov crust complex completes the snowpack to ground.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche observed with poor visibility. Thanks to everyone posting on the Mountain Information Network, keep up the great work.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Problems

Loose Dry

An icon showing Loose Dry

30 cm of unconsolidated storm snow will likely move as loose dry on top firm surfaces. Watch for sloughing in steep terrain and be mindful of overhead hazard.

  • Be careful of loose dry sluffing in steep, confined or exposed terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Breakable to hard wind slabs are making for challenging skiing and up tracking with new snow.

  • Breakable crust makes for tough ski conditions.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

No avalanches observed on this layer in our tenure however neighboring tenures are still seeing activity. With a large enough trigger this layer could produce results.

  • If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
  • Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 3.5

Valid until: Jan 6th, 2022 4:00PM

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