Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 11th, 2023–Dec 14th, 2023

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

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. The primary concern is for windslabs at treeline. A nearby ski resort saw windslab avalanches up to size 2 with explosives

Confidence

Moderate

Weather Summary

Tues

Freezing levels will rise to 2500 m, no precip expected. Winds increase through the day to strong SW.

Wed

Freezing levels continue to rise to 3500m, with no precip. Winds continue to increase to extreme SW.

Thurs

Flurries overnight and a drop in freezing level to valley bottom. Winds decrease to strong SW.

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.