Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Waterton, Waterton Lakes.
After several days of high freezing levels, temperatures are finally forecast to drop with new snow and a return to winter. As the snow comes in on Thursday, pay attention to how this snow bonds to the new crust.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Numerous natural wet loose avalanches have been observed on all aspects at all elevations this week.
Snowpack Summary
Previous moist snow all elevations, all aspects, beginning to refreeze with cooler temperatures. The Feb 3rd crust/facet persistent weak layer is buried 60-120 cm deep. Below this, the snowpack consists of a mixture of settled snow and crust/facet layers to ground. Snowpack depths between 80 - 250 cm.
Weather Summary
Tues
Cloud increasing over the day, light winds with freezing level lowering to 2100 m. Alpine high of +5°C.
Wed
Flurries through the day with light winds. Freezing level lowering to 1400 m.
Thurs
Snowing with up to 20 cm accumulation by the end of the day. Freezing level valley bottom.
For more info: Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
- Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
As new snow falls on Thursday, expect a building storm slab problem.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
As a new surface crust forms with dropping temperatures, this layer will become less triggerable.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3.5
Loose Wet
Tuesday will likely be the last day of reactivity for this problem as temperatures are forecast to cool from Wednesday onwards.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2