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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 16th, 2021–Feb 19th, 2021
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
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Waterton Lakes.

Time to start reeling it in a bit...

Southwest wind is stiffening wind slabs and hiding previous reverse loading. 

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Alpine high -10 with Moderate SW wind.

Wednesday: Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Alpine high -10 with Light to Moderate SW wind.

Thursday: A mix of sun and cloud with and Alpine high of -8. Moderate SW wind.

Snowpack Summary

Last weeks snow is settling well in sheltered areas at Cameron Lake but pockets of wind slab continue to develop in unusual places due to variable wind direction. Surface snow sits over old wind slab which overlies a melt freeze crust below 1900m. Mid snowpack is well consolidated but becomes faceted and shallow east of the Cameron Lake area.

Avalanche Summary

A size 2 natural avalanche occurred on a West aspect of Buchanan Ridge (AKA Argulite towers)  on a cross loaded gully feature. See MIN report for pictures.

Loose Dry activity observed over the weekend in steep terrain in the Alpine and at treeline.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

SW winds have returned stiffening wind slabs and making it difficult to see the reverse loading that occurred last week. Wind slabs seems to be most reactive at tree line.

  • Keep an eye out for reverse loading created by northerly winds last weekend.
  • Watch for shooting cracks or stiffer feeling snow. Avoid areas that appear wind loaded.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2