Current forecast of a strong weather system making it's way to Waterton on Tuesday will hopefully improve ski conditions, but will certainly increase the hazard.
Weather Forecast
A series of storms currently affecting the south coast are pushing their way inland to varying degrees, bringing light to moderate snow/rain (with the bulk of the precipitation starting Monday night and carrying through Tuesday), with freezing levels rising as high as 2400m by mid week. This will be accompanied by continued strong westerly winds.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 10cm of recent snow has fallen. This overlies a thin melt-freeze crust below 2100m, and old sun crust and wind slab above. Strong SW winds continue to build fresh wind slabs in sheltered lee locations and scour exposed areas back down to old crusts and bare ground. Middle and lower snowpack is well settled with no significant shears.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanche activity has been observed or reported.
Confidence
Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.
Storm Slabs
Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.