Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 14th, 2015 11:13AM

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

jonas hoke, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

Forecast light snowfall will continue to improve ski conditions but is not expected to increase the hazard. Early season conditions persist, the snowpack varies dramatically with aspect and elevation - please factor this into your decision making.

Summary

Weather Forecast

We are into a relatively benign weather pattern for this week.Â A weak front sliding down from the North will bring light snowfalls to the area today, and possibly Wednesday, as it nudges against a ridge of high pressure which continues to build over Southern BC.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 30 cm of new snow since Dec. 10th was redistributed into fresh storm slabs by light-mod SW-NW winds. 3 buried crusts exist; two from early December are widespread below tree-line, and one from mid November at all elevations which was scoured clean in exposed areas prior to last weeks storm - these have not produced any recent avalanches.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity has been observed or reported.

Confidence

Problems

Storm Slabs

Use caution above cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.Use caution in lee areas. Recent snowfall mixed with wind loading has created storm slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Early December crusts may also act as weak layers.

Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 17th, 2015 4:00PM