Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 13th, 2014 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Wind Slabs, Storm Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

Edwin Knox, Parks Canada

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.

Summary

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 Friday and Saturday avalanches to size 2.5 have been observed from north and east aspects initiated from steep terrain above. Cornice development during this warm storm has been significant.

Confidence

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

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Storm Slabs

More likely areas where the 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

Valid until: Jan 16th, 2014 4:00PM