Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Feb 3 – 6, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 8 months ago

Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low

Highlights

The high pressure continues, bringing warmer temperatures to the latter part of the forecast period. Look out for unconsolidated pockets of recent snowfall, which could be affected by warming and solar input.

Where these pockets do not exist, you can still expect to find surface crust.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Wet loose avalanches will likely be more prevalent later in the forecast period. Decreased cloud cover, and higher temps will increase the likelihood this problem.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain due to the timing or intensity of warming will affect the snowpack.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed.

Snowpack Summary

Snow surfaces are variable. Near ridgecrest, the surface consists of wind effected or scoured pockets, while sheltered areas are holding up to 10cm of recent snow. Surface snow sits on a crust at all elevations. Below, is a layer of facets. The mid pack consists of settled snow, and the lower snowpack is refrozen rain effected layers.

Weather Summary

Tuesday

Sunny with cloudy periods. Alpine Low of -4 °C, High of 1 °C. SW wind at 10-25 km/h. Freezing level of 2600 m.

Wednesday

A mix of sun and cloud. Alpine Low of 1 °C, High of 5 °C. West wind at 15-35 km/h. Freezing level of 3300 m.

Thursday

Sunny with cloudy periods. Alpine Low of 4 °C, High of 6 °C. Wind gusting to 40 km/h. Freezing level of 3500 m.

Current weather forecast: Mountain Weather Forecast

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • A hard crust on the snow surface will help strengthen the snowpack, but may cause tough travel conditions.
  • A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.

Regions covered