Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 29th, 2023–Jan 1st, 2024

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Waterton Lakes, Waterton.

Snow coverage is still minimal at lower elevations, travel cautiously if you decide to get out on skis in the backcountry.

Confidence

Moderate

Snowpack Summary

Small wind slabs and variable snow surfaces in the alpine and at treeline from the extreme winds earlier this week. This sits over older wind slabs and a basal crust in the alpine. Due to previous warm temps and rain there is very little snow on the ground below 1800 m.

Weather Summary

Saturday

Partly cloudy with light - moderate SW winds. Freezing level 3000 m with an alpine high near +5 degrees.

Sunday

Mainly cloudy with light - moderate W winds. Scattered flurries or rain showers possible with freezing level falling to 1800 m.

Monday

Light snow with up to 5 cm possible by Monday afternoon. Light SE winds, freezing level valley bottom.

For more info see: Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme 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.