Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 27th, 2014 4:00PM

The alpine rating is below threshold, the treeline rating is below threshold, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

tim haggarty, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

A slow start to the season in the far South! With the 30cm we had at Little Prairie now becoming rain soaked, it is probably best not to bring out the skis just yet. Regular Avalanche Bulletins will begin December 4rth.

Summary

Weather Forecast

We are expecting a quick plunge into the deep freeze Saturday with the passage of a powerful cold front late Friday. The freezing level looks like it will stay high until this occurs bringing up to 35cm above treeline and likely depositing about 20 cm over crusts when everything freezes. Strong Westerly winds can be expected with this feature.

Snowpack Summary

We are well below normal values for this time of the year with 30cm at Little Prairie. Above treeline the snowpack is reaching threshold values in only isolated locations with accumulations that began mid October. Warm periods have created crusts through November. Today's rain looks to have soaked to the snow to about 2100m.

Avalanche Summary

The rain has caused many very small loose wet events at treeline.

Confidence

Problems

Storm Slabs

Be aware that the new snow is not likely to bond well to the isolated pockets of snow that can be found tree line and above. Winds will help create slab conditions.

The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 28th, 2014 4:00PM