Waterton Lakes

Temperatures have remained high for the past two days with another hot day forecast for tomorrow. Poor overnight refreezes mean the snowpack will quickly weaken with daytime warming. If you plan to get out, start early and finish early.

Sun

An alpine high of +10°C with clear skies. Light SW winds, freezing level 3000 m.

Mon

Partly cloudy, freezing level falling to 2500 m. Ridgetop winds moderate from the SW. Alpine high of +5°C.

Tues

Periods of snow with 5 - 10 cm accumulation over the day. Alpine high around -2°C. Light NE ridgetop winds.

For more info: Mountain Weather Forecast.

Several natural wet loose avalanches have been observed in the past two days, these have mostly been size 1-2. Larger naturals up to size 3 have been observed in isolated areas.

Alpine/Treeline - Moist surface snow all aspects with weak surface crust forming overnight. This overlies a generally well settled lower snowpack. Feb 03 crust/facets may still exist at high elevations and is buried 100-120 cm deep.

Below Treeline - Moist faceted snow to ground. Most solar aspects are now below threshold for avalanches

• The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.
• A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
• Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
• Keep in mind that wet avalanches can be destructive due to their high density.