Avalog Join
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 23rd, 2012–Dec 26th, 2012
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Waterton Lakes.

Good skiing and heavy trail breaking today with all the new snow.  Below 1800m continue to watch for early season hazards lurking just below all the new snow.  Happy Holidays!

Weather Forecast

Light amounts of precipitation and light winds from the W moving to the E are forecast over the next few days.  Temperatures remain cool on the East side of the park with the influence of the arctic high, but will moderate slightly.  The West side of the park will see more seasonal temperatures.

Snowpack Summary

At tree line 80cm of snow has fallen in the past 3 days with cool temperatures and light W winds.  This snow is bonding well but is a significant load on any weaknesses in the snowpack.  Buried wind slabs, and several early season crusts (mainly below 2000m) are under all this new snow and should still be considered as potential sliding layers.

Avalanche Summary

Surprisingly little avalanche activity has been observed with all the new snow.  Loose snow avalanches up to size 1.5 have been observed out of very steep terrain at tree line and in the alpine.  A couple of soft slabs up to size 2 have been seen out of steep wind loaded terrain at ridge crests, failing within the recent storm snow.

Confidence

Wind speed and direction is uncertain

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Caution in steep terrain for failures within the recent storm snow.  The storm snow should start to settle out and bond over the next few days.
The new snow will requires several days to settle and stabilize.Ride slopes one at a time and spot for your partners from safe locations.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Caution for new wind loading near ridge crests and for buried windslabs formed just prior to the storm.
Stay off recent wind loaded areas until the slope has had a chance to stabilize.The recent snow may now be hiding windslabs that were easily visible before the snow fell.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2