Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Dec 27 – 30, 2023Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

Windslabs may linger after 5-15 cm of snow over the weekend formed with strong to extreme W-SW winds over the past few days. Snow coverage is still minimal at lower elevations, so travel cautiously if you decide to get out in the backcountry.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A few size 1 loose-dry and slab avalanches have been observed in steep rocky terrain.

Snowpack Summary

Storm snow from the weekend has formed windslabs in the Alpine and at Treeline which sits on older wind slabs and a basal crust in the alpine. Due to previous warm temps and rain there is very little snow on the ground below 1800 m.

Weather Summary

Wed

Mainly sunny. Wind SW 20 becoming 50. Alpine high +6, FL 3200 m

Thurs

Wind SW strong to extreme. Alp High: -6, FL: 1900 m

Fri

Moderate SW winds. Alp High: 0, FL: 1800 m.

For more info see: Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.

Regions covered