Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 13th, 2020 4:00PM

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

Parks Canada marcus waring, Parks Canada

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Low density snow and very light winds have been a rare treat in Waterton for the past two days. Be mindful of a rapidly building windslab hazard when the wind returns.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: Mainly cloudy with flurries. 5cm of snow. Light East wind during the day becoming Moderate SW in the afternoon.

Wednesday: Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Moderate SW wind

Thursday: Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries.

Snowpack Summary

10-50 cm of light storm snow over a deteriorating windslab. New snow is producing loose dry avalanches in steep terrain but this will transition into surface Windslab Tues night. The Dec crust (present up to 1800m) is deteriorating with cold temps. The mid snowpack is well settled in deep areas but a weak facet/ melt freeze crust lurks at the base.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Be aware of the potential for rapidly developing windslabs due to the availability of cold, dry snow from recent storm. All aspects may be effected as the wind direction is variable through the forecast period.

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  • Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created fresh slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Loose Dry

An icon showing Loose Dry

Watch out for fast-moving dry loose avalanches in steep terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Jan 16th, 2020 4:00PM