Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Jan 24 – 27, 2020Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Overnight freezing levels will be high, allowing warm temperatures to saturate the front range snowpack. Watch out for wet loose avalanches at tree line and below east of the divide.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–3

    If the snowpack dose not freeze overnight the hazard will be significantly higher.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–3

    As temperatures warm, the basal facets may become a player again, especially in the relatively shallow front ranges. Consider overhead hazard, the consequence of a small avalanche triggering a deeper slab, and stick to deep well supported terrain.

Weather Forecast

Thursday night: Freezing level 1600m with 1- 2 mm of precipitation.

Friday: Mainly Cloudy. Freezing level 1800m. Moderate to Strong SW wind. 1-2 mm of precipitation.

Saturday: A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. Freezing level 1400m. Wind SW.

Sunday: Cloudy.1-5mm of precipitation. Freezing level 1400m.

Snowpack Summary

Strong to extreme SW winds have formed wind slabs at all elevations. These windslabs have the potential to trigger weak layers deep in the snowpack during this warm period. The base of the snowpack consists of crusts and weak facets formed early in the season. The snowpack east of the divide is significantly shallower and inherently weaker.

Avalanche Summary

Public report of Natural Sz 1-1.5 loose wet avalanche activity at Bertha Lake on Thursday January 23.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain

Regions covered