Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 24th, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs, Persistent Slabs and Loose Wet.
Parks Canada,
Avalanche Canada
We have seen a significant avalanche cycle in Waterton over the last couple days, new snow has overburdened buried weak layers and produced large avalanches. Use cautious terrain management over the next few days as avalanches will continue to be human triggerable.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Widespread natural cycle over the last few days with windslab, wet loose and persistent slab avalanches to size 3
The notable size 3 avalanche was on Bertha Mountain above the Waterton Townsite and deposited debris within 100m of town.
Snowpack Summary
~30 cm of storm snow has fallen over the last few days, this snow arrived with winds up to 70km/h. This has formed windslabs in the alpine/treeline. It rained below 1800 m and saturated the snowpack.
The January drought layer is 30 - 60 cm down. This layer includes facetted snow on northerly aspects or a melt freeze crust below treeline and on steep solar slopes into the alpine. Generally, the snowpack is weak and facetted.
Snowpack depths at treeline range from 100 - 160 cm.
Weather Summary
Warm temps and strong winds continue for the next few days. See table for details.
Check out the Mountain Weather Forecast for the most up to date information.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Rapid loading through Monday produced numerous natural avalanches.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
New wind load is causing the January 31st drought layer to fail in many places
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Pay special attention to steep slopes when the sun is out.
Aspects: South East, South, South West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 27th, 2025 4:00PM
