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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 21st, 2025–Mar 24th, 2025
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Regions: Waterton, Waterton Lakes.

A lot going on in the next 3 days with up to 30 cm of new snow by Sunday and strong winds with climbing temperatures Sunday and Monday. We expect to see storm and wind slabs with the new snow and wet loose avalanches with the warm weather Monday. Make conservative terrain choices and be aware of your overhead exposure.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed in the past 3 days, however visibility has limited observations.

Snowpack Summary

We have had 15 cm of new snow since the 20th and expect another 10 - 15 cm overnight on Friday. This new snow has arrived with strong ridgetop winds so expect wind slabs in lee features in the alpine and treeline. There is a robust melt freeze crust buried 30 - 70 cm deep. This crust exists everywhere except for northerly aspects above 1900 m. The January drought layer lies 50 –130 cm deep, with snow depths at treeline averaging 130–200 cm.

Weather Summary

We will likely have a decent snowfall Friday into Saturday and then a significant warming trend early in the week. See the table below for a more detailed forecast.

Check out the Mountain Weather Forecast for the most up to date information.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
  • Avoid thin areas like rocky outcrops where you're most likely to trigger avalanches on deep weak layers.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

This storm has arrived with strong ridgetop winds likely forming deeper slabs in lee features. With up to 30 cm of snow possible by Saturday we may also see storm slabs on all aspects.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Loose Wet

This will likely be a problem once temperatures start climbing Sunday into Monday.

Aspects: South East, South, South West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

This problem remains a concern on high northerly aspects where the bridging crusts are thin or non-existent.

Aspects: North, North East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3