Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Waterton, Waterton Lakes.
The storm is upon us, the next couple days will be a great time to visit your local ski resort! If you do choose to go out make conservative terrain choices until the avalanche cycle has run its course and the snow has settled.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
One size 2 natural windslab was observed on Bertha Peak above the Waterton townsite.
Snowpack Summary
Strong to extreme SW winds are rapidly building windslabs at all elevations. The Feb 3rd crust is down 50-100cm and has a thin layer of weak facets above it. The lower snowpack is a well-settled crust/facet complex to the ground. Average snowpack depths are between 100 - 175 cm.
Weather Summary
Thurs
Heavy snow, up to 40cm possible with strong to extreme SW winds. Freezing levels around 1900m
Fri
Temps cool and freezing levels fall back to valley bottom. Light snow continues, about 5cm with moderate SW winds.
Sat
Cool temps continue with freezing levels at valley bottom. Light snow and cloudy skies. Moderate SW winds
For more info see: Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Fresh snow rests on a problematic persistent slab, don't let good riding lure you into complacency.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
Several crusts are now being buried in our snowpack. The most concerning is the Feb 03 crust which has a sensitive layer of facets above it in many places. We suspect this layer will become more sensitive with the additional load.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 2 - 3
Storm Slabs
Significant snow is falling, with higher accumulations in the SW corner of the park. Expect a moist storm slab problem at lower elevations and windslabs in exposed terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Very Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5