Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Dec 16 – 19, 2022Avalanche Canada
View on map
Archived · expired 4 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map

Highlights

Cold temps are on the way for the second half of the weekend. Be prepared with extra layers and think about ending your day a little early.

Widespread surface hoar was observed by field teams in the Cameron Lake area on Tuesday. The unusual lack of wind may preserve this layer as new snow falls.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

  • Loose Dry

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

    As cold storm snow accumulates the potential for larger dry loose avalanches will increase.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Small dry loose avalanches were observed in steep treeline terrain on Tuesday.

Snowpack Summary

10cm storm snow with light winds has buried a new surface hoar layer. This overlies a series of old windslabs and a developing midpack in the alpine and at treeline.

Below treeline storm snow and thin old windslab overlies facets and up to two early season crusts.

Weather Summary

Friday

Clear skies no precip expected. Alpine temps around -10 with light winds.

Saturday

Light snow today up to 10cm forecast. Overcast skies and alpine temps of -12, dropping in the afternoon to a low of -26. Winds will be light.

Sunday

Cold temps expected today with a high of -26 and light flurries. Winds will be light today.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.

Regions covered