Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Waterton, Waterton Lakes.
We have seen a significant avalanche cycle in Waterton over the past week. New snow and rain have overburdened buried weak layers, producing large avalanches. Use cautious terrain management over the next few days, as avalanches will continue to be human-triggerable with warm temperatures and clear skies.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
Widespread natural avalanche cycle occurred from Sun-Mon, with windslabs, wet loose, and persistent slab avalanches up to size 3.
A notable size 3 avalanche was on Bertha Mountain above the Waterton Townsite, depositing debris within 100 meters of the town.
Activity has decreased, but a warm, clear period in the next few days may increase activity once again.
Snowpack Summary
Approximately 30 cm of storm snow has fallen over the last week. This snow has formed windslabs in open areas, with winds reaching up to 70 km/h over the past few days. Rainfall occurred below 1800 m, saturating the snowpack, which is now starting to refreeze as a crust under the fresh snow.
The January drought layer is 30–80 cm down and includes facets and/or a crust. Overall, the snowpack is weak and facetted.
Snowpack depths at treeline range from 100 to 160 cm.
Weather Summary
Warm temps, strong winds and clearing skies continue into the weekend. 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.
- Keep in mind that human triggering may persist as natural avalanches taper off.
- Wet avalanche activity may step down to deeply buried persistent weak layers at lower elevations.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Continued winds will further build human triggerable slabs on downwind slopes.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5
Persistent Slabs
New wind loading in the alpine and at treeline, along with wet avalanches below treeline, are causing the January 31st drought layer to fail in many places. This will continue as the wind blows and the sun shines.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5
Loose Wet
Pay special attention to steep slopes when the sun is out. New snow on top of a crust, once wet, will run far and fast.
Aspects: South East, South, South West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2