Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Dec 31, 2013 – Jan 4, 2014Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 13 years ago

Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Thin coverage in many areas over rocks and stumps remains a significant hazard. Good snow can be found in more sheltered areas near treeline.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    West winds have built wind slabs in lee areas and cross loaded terrain such as gully features. Triggering may be possible on steeper or unsupported features.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–3
    This layer of weak sugary snow is found in many areas  about 30 to 40cm from the ground. Triggering  of this  layer is more of a concern in shallower snowpack areas.

Weather Forecast

Continuing dry until late Thursday. Exciting to see as much as 20cm forecast for Friday as the cold arctic air mass meets with the westerly flow. Winds are expected to shift from west to north which will see reverse loading and a potential for increased avalanche hazard.

Snowpack Summary

A layer of faceted, weak crystals is found in most locations at about 30 to 40cm off the ground. Human triggering of this deeper instability may be possible in shallower snowpack  areas. Wind slabs are a concern in open areas at tree line and above.

Avalanche Summary

Very little recent activity.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Regions covered