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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 16th, 2026–Feb 19th, 2026

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

Waterton Lakes, Waterton.

We received 20-30 cm over the weekend, with more snow on the way. Ski quality is increasing, but so is the avalanche hazard.

Look out for signs of instability as this significant load will contribute to several types of avalanche problems in the coming days.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain about forecast snowfall amounts.

Snowpack Summary

20-30 cm of snow fell over the weekend. It is being redistributed by moderate variable winds at ridgecrest and exposed terrain features. In sheltered areas it is rapidly settling.

Under this, polar aspects contain a series of melt freeze crusts and faceted layers. On solar aspects these layers have combined to form a singular thick melt freeze crust.

The mid and lower snowpack is well settled.

Weather Summary

Tues

Up to 23 cm snow by end of day. Low of -5 °C, High of -5 °C. Wind gusting to 30 km/h. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Wed

A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. Low of -23 °C, High of -16 °C. Light ridge wind. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Thurs

Sunny with cloudy periods. Low of -20 °C, High of -11 °C. Wind to 20 km/h. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Current weather forecast: Mountain Weather Forecast

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
  • Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
  • Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Loose Dry

Loose Dry avalanches are the release of dry unconsolidated snow and typically occur within layers of soft snow near the surface of the snowpack. These avalanches start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-dry avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs.

Persistent Slabs

Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) in the middle to upper snowpack, when the bond to an underlying persistent weak layer breaks. Persistent layers include: surface hoar, depth hoar, near-surface facets, or faceted snow. Persistent weak layers can continue to produce avalanches for days, weeks or even months, making them especially dangerous and tricky. As additional snow and wind events build a thicker slab on top of the persistent weak layer, this avalanche problem may develop into a Deep Persistent Slab.