Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Jan 5 – 8, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 9 months ago

Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Additional snowfall accompanied by moderate winds will continue to build wind slabs. Use caution around ridge crests and in wind-loaded terrain features.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

Confidence

Avalanche Summary

Several natural wind slab and wet loose avalanches observed over the past few days.

Snowpack Summary

Our current snowfall sits on top of 10 to 40 cm of snow, from this past weekend. At lower elevations this layer is moist, due to recent rainfall. Under this, is up to 40 cm of wind effected snow.

The melt freeze crust from late December can be found 40-70 cm deep.

The middle and lower snowpack consists of 50 cm of settled snow, over refrozen rain effected layers, which are still moist at ground in places.

Weather Summary

Monday

Flurries, up to 7 cm of snow. Low of -5 °C, High of -5 °C. SW wind gusting to 55 km/h. Freezing level at 1400 m.

Tuesday

Scattered flurries, up to 5 cm of snow. Low of -8 °C, High -6 °C. SW wind gusting to 65 km/h. Freezing level at 1300 m.

Wednesday

Flurries, up to 9 cm of snow. Low of -10 °C, High of -5 °C. SW wind gusting to 65 km/h. Freezing level at 1400 m.

Current weather forecast: Mountain Weather Forecast

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.

Regions covered