Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 2nd, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada llarson, Avalanche Canada

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Approach steep, lee terrain features with caution. Don't commit to a steep slope if it looks wind-affected or feels dense or stiff.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported in the area. Several large (size 2 to 3) wind slabs were observed in the neighbouring Waterton Lakes National Park, releasing in alpine terrain on easterly aspects between 2000 and 2300 m.

Looking ahead, riders could trigger wind slabs in steep, lee terrain features.

Snowpack Summary

Pockets of soft snow can still be found in sheltered terrain that has not been affected by the recent southwest winds. In wind-exposed terrain the wind has redistributed the surface snow, forming wind slabs in lee terrain features. A hard melt-freeze crust below 2000 m is buried at variable depths between 0 - 20 cm depending on elevation. A surface crust may be found up to around 1600 m on all aspects and to ridgetop on sun-exposed slopes.

The middle of the snowpack is generally consolidated and sits above weak, faceted snow near the ground.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Mostly clear skies, 10 km/h west wind, treeline temperatures -14 °C

Tuesday

Partly cloudy skies with no precipitation, 10 to 20 km/h southwest wind, and treeline temperatures warming to -5 °C

Wednesday

A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, 20 to 40 km/h west wind, treeline temperature -10 °C.

Thursday

Partly cloudy skies, increasing through the day with isolated flurries, light west winds, treeline high temperatures -5 °C

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
  • Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
  • Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Wind slabs may still be found in steep, lee terrain features on north and east facing slopes.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Jan 3rd, 2023 4:00PM

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