Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 19th, 2015 4:00PM

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

aaron beardmore, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

Windslabs created over the weekend are less touchy. Check the reactivity of this layer at the local level before you commit to terrain features.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Thankfully, we will be entering a period with less wind. Expect one or two centimeters over the next three days with light to moderate wind from the W/NW. Temperatures will range from -4 to -10. The climatic conditions over the next few days will have little effect on the danger ratings.

Snowpack Summary

15cm of storm snow with strong SW wind has created windslabs up to 40cm thick in alpine lee areas over the weekend. Today, in Rowe Cr. forecasters found the new snow bonding to the Jan 16th surface and no results with snowpack tests. Although it appears the new windslabs are less touchy, use a cautious approach where they are present.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches were observed or reported on Jan 15.

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations on Monday

Problems

Wind Slabs

This avalanche problem constitutes winslabs up to 40cm thick on lee features in the alpine. The slabs rest on the Jan 16 layer which is a combo of crusts and surface hoar. Although they are less touchy now than on the weekend, approach with caution.

If triggered the storm slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Although we have received recent extra snow load on this layer, it is not reacting. It is becoming less and less reactive as time goes by. Be mindful in thin snowpack areas, where the layer is more likely to be triggered by riders/climbers.

Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

The snowpack gained strength this week as it cooled down. The facets and associated crust found near the base of the snowpack likely only remain a problem at elevations above at least 2400m.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 22nd, 2015 4:00PM