Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Waterton Lakes.
The hazard is low but pockets of wind slab lurk in lee and cross loaded features. Pay attention near ridge top and give cornices a wide birth.
Weather Forecast
Thursday-Â Cloudy with sunny periods. Light variable wind. Freezing level 1600m.
Friday- Mainly Cloudy. Light SW wind. Freezing level 1400m
Saturday- Mainly cloudy. Moderate SW wind with freezing level dropping to valley bottom
Snowpack Summary
Upper elevations are heavily scoured but pockets of wind slab are building in lee and cross loaded terrain with significant cornice growth noted throughout the park. The Dec 9th crust was not reactive during last weeks natural avalanche cycle but large triggers may awaken this weakness. Areas east of the divide hold a thin & faceted snowpack.
Avalanche Summary
A size two cornice failure occurred off Mt. Rowe on the Akamina Parkway. Date uncertain.
Confidence
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Although we are getting a brief break from the wind in the forecast, wind slabs will linger in NW to SE terrain.
- Watch for shooting cracks or stiffer feeling snow. Avoid areas that appear wind loaded.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Cornices
Warm daytime temperatures may make cornices more reactive Thursday and Friday.
- Stay well back from cornices.
- Minimize exposure to overhead hazard from cornices.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2