Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 1st, 2013 6:21PM

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

tim haggarty, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

Windslabs continue to form. Warming is expected. Watch for a potential increase in activity and sensitivity to triggering over the weekend especially if the sun comes out.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Warm temperatures are expected over the next few days with a strong possibility of some clears skies. Freezing levels will continue to reach above 1400m and moist snow should be expected on steep solar aspects. The Moderate West and Northwest winds we had look as though they will continue or intensify. Potentially some flurries and cooling Monday.

Snowpack Summary

Continued small amounts of recent snow. Depth over 130123 interface of facets, settled windslabs, and suncrust varies from 20 to 70 cm. Warm temps and wind encouraging slab formation and cornice growth. Soft windslabs now 20 to 30 cm thick along exposed ridge crests, with many loaded gullies and alpine fans in North, East and South East aspects.

Avalanche Summary

No activity observed in the last few days.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Problems

Wind Slabs

Windslabs can be found near exposed ridgecrests and in alpine features such as gullies, bowls and fans. Watch for cracking around your skis and probe with your poles to detect these. Avoid steep or unsupported terrain where windslabs exist.

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.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Cornices

These are large and appear to be quite fragile right now. Consider the windslab avalanches these could trigger below them and manage your exposure accordingly. Watch for sunny periods that may intensify the heating process and cause failure.

Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices.Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 4th, 2013 4:00PM