Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Waterton, Waterton Lakes.
The potential remains for triggering a persistent slab avalanche in northerly alpine terrain, where the new crust does not cap the weak layer.
With windy conditions at upper elevations, be cautious of newly formed slabs in steep wind-affected areas. The best skiing will likely be found in sheltered terrain at or below treeline.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches observed.
Snowpack Summary
5–10 cm of new snow rests on wind slabs up to 20 cm deep in open, wind-affected areas and on a crust 5 -30 cm thick everywhere else except for sheltered north-facing slopes. The January drought layer lies 40–100 cm deep, with snow depths at treeline averaging 130–200 cm.
Weather Summary
Temperatures will remain below zero degrees at treeline and above throughout the forecast period. Expect intermittent snowfall and windy conditions, especially in the alpine. See the table below for detailed forecasts.
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.
- Avoid thin areas like rocky outcrops where you're most likely to trigger avalanches on deep weak layers.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
New wind slabs will likely form throughout next three days with continued light snowfall and southwest winds up to 50 km/hour.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
This problem remains a concern on high northerly aspects where the surface crust is thin or non-existent.
Aspects: North, North East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3