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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 14th, 2023–Dec 17th, 2023

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Waterton Lakes, Waterton.

Travel on skis is still very difficult, some eager skiers have been travelling uphill in boots. If you do venture out be very careful as many early-season hazards still exist. See this MIN for photos of conditions.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Few natural wind slabs to size 2 in wind loaded alpine terrain.

Snowpack Summary

Strong to extreme winds continue, however very little snow is still available for transport. Old wind slabs exist in the alpine and treeline 20 - 50 cm deep. This overlies crust on the ground. Total snowpack depths average 30 - 50 cm.

Weather Summary

Friday

Mainly sunny with strong W winds, freezing level 1500 m.

Saturday

Mainly sunny, strong to extreme W winds, freezing level rising to 2000 m.

Sunday

Generally clear conditions. Extreme westerly ridgetop winds will decrease to moderate Sunday afternoon but increase back to extreme speeds in the evening. Freezing levels will hover near or above ridgetop height.

For more info see: Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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.