Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 14th, 2014–Jan 17th, 2014

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Waterton Lakes.

Warm temperatures and sunny days during this chinook may reduce stability on some slopes. Watch for overhead cornice concerns. The recent wind slabs need to be carefully evaluated as there is great variability in location and thickness.

Weather Forecast

The strong westerly flow kicks in again early Tuesday. Little in the way of snowfall is expected. Freezing level may rise to 1700 meters later in the week. With the warm temperatures and sunny skies watch for terrain under recently loaded cornices.

Snowpack Summary

25cm of snow over the weekend and into Monday with a strong westerly flow have created storm slab and wind slabs. Triggering is possible in steep unsupported terrain. Deeper instabilities that we have been tracking previously are showing signs of been less of an issue in most areas with improved bridging above. Watch suspect shallower areas.

Avalanche Summary

During the storm on Friday and through Saturday a small avalanche cycle occurred with one large avalanche of note from the Akamina Ridge areaÂ just west of Wall Lake with debris covering the trail to Bennett Pass. Other avalanches from steep north and east terrain were noted but little activity since Saturday.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Open terrain near ridge crests are likely spots to find recent wind slabs. Use your poles and probe to help detect signs of instability.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.The best powder will be found in sheltered locations at or below treeline.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Storm Slabs

More likely areas where the storm slab could be triggered are in steep unsupported terrain.

Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline. Recent storm snow has formed touchy slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

In shallow snowpack areas there is a possibility that the deeper instabilities could be triggered. Our growing snowpack and milder temperatures are helping to reduce the chance that this layer could be triggered in most areas.

Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 2 - 3