Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Jan 2 – 5, 2022
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

The presence of breakable windslabs makes ski quality variable. Look for sheltered terrain to preserve your knees.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    Extreme W winds have formed windslabs in lees at all elevations.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1.5–3.5

    No avalanches observed on this layer this week, however with a large enough trigger this layer could produce results.

Weather Forecast

Sunday: Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. Light SW winds gusting to moderate. Alpine high -10.

Monday: Periods of snow, 15 cm accumulation. Light SW winds gusting to strong. Alpine high -8 Low -13.

Tuesday: Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. 4 cm accumulation. Light W ridge winds gusting to strong. Alpine High -12 Low -14.

Snowpack Summary

Extreme W winds are redistributing any remaining sheltered snow at all elevations. Strong SW winds formed 10-40 cm firm wind slab on top of 50-60 cm of christmas storm snow. Beneath this lies a series of right side up wind slabs. Facets are found above Dec 4 crust down 80-120 cm. A 20-60 cm thick Nov crust complex completes the snowpack to ground.

Avalanche Summary

Few slab avalanches up to size 2 observed on N and E aspects on Jan 1, triggered by extreme westerly winds. Several loose dry sluffs out of steep terrain up to sz 1 have been observed around the park. Thanks to everyone posting on the Mountain Information Network, keep up the great work.

Confidence

Timing of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Regions covered