Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 6th, 2013 4:00PM

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

jon stuart-smith, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Very cold temperatures continue for the forecast period. Although forecast winds are light, windchill is a big factor. Winds are forecast to pick up from the north on sunday.

Snowpack Summary

Little Prairie 63cm. Summit Lake = 100-120 cm . Cold temps have prevented slab development in the storm snow. Windslabs built during storm are present on reverse locations (northeast aspects) and could possibly be skier triggered. The facet/melt freeze interface from Dec 1 has also not settled out yet.

Avalanche Summary

Sluffng out of very steep terrain.

Confidence

Wind effect is extremely variable

Problems

Loose Dry

Only on very steep slopes will there still be any sluffing.

The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Northeast winds during the storm have build windslabs in unusual locations. If ridgetop winds increase on Sunday as forecast more windslabs will develop.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Avoid travelling in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 9th, 2013 4:00PM