Avalanche Forecast
Avalanche Bulletin - Waterton Lakes National Park
Fresh, deep powder disguises a thin snowpack. Be aware that where wind affect is obvious, danger may be higher than forecast ratings. Rising temperatures and sun on cold loose snow may keep danger levels elevated heading into Monday.
Avalanche Problem 1: Loose Dry
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Avoid terrain traps, such as gullies, where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.
- Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
Avalanche Problem 2: Storm Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Exposed areas saw wind transport Thursday night, and may do on Friday night also - just enough to set up isolated storm slabs in unusual (South and West facing) lee features. These could be reactive; particularly on Saturday, and during midday sun.
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Keep an eye out for reverse loading created by an upslope storm.
- Use caution in lee areas. Recent snowfall mixed with wind loading has created storm slabs.
Avalanche Summary
Poor visibility limited observations on Thursday and Friday. Several small natural avalanches (loose dry and wind slab) were observed on NW-NE aspects on Wednesday, in steep terrain at and below Treeline. Widespread whumping and shooting cracks were noted from 1700-1900m, but all except lee areas had too many protruding stumps/rocks to avalanche.
Snowpack Summary
35cm low density new snow (and increasing), with soft Storm Slabs lee to NE winds in highly exposed areas. Down 70cm is a layer of facets over a crust. This has been giving moderate and hard, sudden results in tests in Western areas. It seems most sensitive 1600-1900m, however these elevations are mainly below threshold snow depths for avalanches.
Weather Forecast
Another large snowfall Friday night may double current storm snow totals. Moderate NE winds possible for a short time overnight. Otherwise light winds are forecast; but pay attention as as any wind will up the danger. Clearing trend on Sunday. Temperatures will remain in the -20's overnight and through Saturday, then rise to around -5 by Monday.
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Deep surface snow with little cohesion is draped across the park. A puff of wind, spike of sun, or your own wading could be enough to set it in motion.