Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Apr 8 – 11, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low

Highlights

Friday night we are forecasted to have temperatures well above freezing, this could wake up the persistent slab problems and increase the likelihood of wet loose avalanches on Saturday.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1–2.5

    On shaded slopes in the alpine, facets were observed above a thick crust with a slab on top. Overnight freezing has decreased slab sensitivity. Friday night temperatures are forecasted to be well above freezing and this layer could wake up again.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–1.5

    Friday night is forecasted to be well above freezing into the alpine. The trigger-ability of this problem will be increased on Saturday on steep slopes.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain about alpine conditions due to limited field observations.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous wet loose avalanches up to size 2 and one persistent slab avalanche (size 2.5) were observed over the past 5 days.

Snowpack Summary

Surface snow is currently in a melt‑freeze cycle, becoming moist during the day and refreezing overnight, and rests on a thick crust. On north‑facing alpine slopes, facets persist on this crust with a slab above. The mid‑ and lower snowpack are well settled with no notable weak layers.

Weather Summary

Thursday

Sunny. Alpine Low of -6 °C, High of 3 °C. SW wind to 20 km/h. Freezing level of 2400 m.

Friday

Sunny with cloudy periods. Alpine Low of -3 °C, High of 9 °C. SW wind light to 15 km/h. Freezing level of 3200 m.

Saturday

A mix of sun and cloud. Alpine Low of 5 °C, High of 11 °C. SW wind gusting to 30 km/h. Freezing level of 3200 m.

Current weather forecast: Mountain Weather Forecast

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Rocks will heat up with daytime warming and may become trigger points for loose wet avalanches.
  • Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.

Regions covered