Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Waterton, Waterton Lakes.
Freezing levels have remained high for the past 48 hrs, travel on skis is currently very difficult with unsupportive wet snow. Wet loose avalanches may still be reactive Tuesday morning before the temperature drops over the day and decreases the hazard.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Numerous wet loose avalanches up to size 2.5 were observed on Monday from steep terrain and on all aspects.
Snowpack Summary
10 mm of rain at all elevations on Monday resulting in moist snow. The January melt freeze crust is buried 60-100cm. Alpine and Treeline midpack is well settled and overlies basal facets and depth hoar. Below treeline now moist to ground.
Weather Summary
Tuesday
Up to 10 mm precip, initially falling as rain, snow possible later in the day. Alpine high of 2°C, moderate to strong SW winds.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and cloud with some flurries, alpine high of -3°C. Moderate SW winds.
Thursday
Light snow, up to 10 cm possible. Light winds, alpine high of -2°C.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.
- Minimize overhead exposure; avalanches triggered by warming or cornice fall may be large and destructive.
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
Reactivity will decrease as temperatures drop through the day.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Wind Slabs
Alpine wind slabs may develop if freezing levels drop early in the day and the incoming precipitation falls as snow.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5