Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Mar 2 – 5, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 6 months ago

Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Wet loose avalanches are the primary concern as rising freezing levels and solar input warm sun-exposed slopes.

Wind slabs are gradually losing reactivity, but recent strong winds have left widespread wind-affected snow in exposed terrain where triggering remains possible.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Recent strong to extreme winds formed slabs across a broad range of terrain. Wind slabs may exist farther downslope than expected in open features and remain reactive in isolated areas.

  • Loose Wet

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

    Warming temperatures and solar radiation may weaken surface snow and produce wet loose avalanches, particularly on steep solar aspects during the warmest part of the day.

Snowpack Summary

Previous strong to extreme southwesterly winds formed wind slabs at all elevations, stripped windward slopes to crust or scree, and created widespread wind effect in open terrain. Beneath this, 30–50 cm of settled snow overlies crusts and facets. The lower snowpack is generally well settled.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain due to a limited number of field observations.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been observed in the past week, but extensive wind effect is visible on exposed slopes throughout the park.

Weather Summary

Monday

Sunny. Low of -1 °C, High of 2 °C. Wind gusting to 55 km/h. Freezing level of 2300 m.

Tuesday

Isolated flurries. Low of -2 °C, High of 1 °C. Wind gusting to 70 km/h. Freezing level of 2200 m.

Wednesday

Isolated flurries up to 6 cm. Low of -2 °C, High of 0 °C. Wind gusting to 55 km/h. Freezing level of 2100 m.

Current weather forecast: Mountain Weather Forecast

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid steep, sun-exposed slopes when the air temperature is warm or when solar radiation is strong.
  • Avoid steep, rocky, and wind-affected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
  • Expect slab conditions to change drastically as you move into wind-exposed terrain.

Regions covered