Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Jan 23 – 26, 2022
View on map
Archived · expired 5 years ago

Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
Open full map

Highlights

Alpine inversions and high freezing levels are forecasted throughout the start of the week.

Minimize overhead hazard wherever possible. Cornices weaken with high alpine temperatures.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Few natural avalanches size 1 - 2 seen steep alpine terrain around park on Saturday, Jan 22, likely triggered by solar input.

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–4

    Alpine inversions may cause cornices to weaken. Cornice triggered avalanches could step down to persistent weak layers.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2.5–4

    Strong alpine inversions and high freezing levels will test persistent layers and cornices in sheltered alpine features . Minimize overhead hazard as temps at higher elevations are likely warmer than valley bottoms.

Weather Forecast

Sun: Cloudy. Strong W winds. Alpine temperature inversion with an alpine high of -1.

Mon: Cloudy with scattered flurries, accumulation 4 cm. Moderate W winds. Alpine high -6. FL valley bottom.

Tues: Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries. Strong SW winds. Alpine temperature inversion, high -8.

Snowpack Summary

A hard rain crust exist on all aspects up to 2000m. Alpine surfaces range from hard windslab in lees and to bare ground. Well settled midpack. Facets above Dec 4 crust down 150-200 cm. A 20-60 cm thick Nov crust complex completes snowpack to ground.

Avalanche Summary

Few natural windslab avalanches, size 1 - 2, observed in park today likely triggered by solar input this afternoon. Thanks to everyone posting on the Mountain Information Network, keep up the great work, we really do read them.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain

Regions covered