Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Waterton, Waterton Lakes.
Up to 30 cm of new snow has accumulated over the past week. Exercise caution on steep terrain, where storm slabs and dry loose avalanches could be triggered, particularly in areas with a thin or faceted snowpack.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
A notable skier triggered size 1 dry loose that ran to ground on facets (see photo) and sevaral other dry loose to size 1.5 out of steep rocky slopes in the past week.
Snowpack Summary
20-30 cm unconsolidated storm snow over windslabs 20-40cm deep. This overlies the January drought layer which includes facetted snow on northerly aspects or a melt freeze crust below treeline and on steep solar slopes into the alpine. Generally, the snowpack has become weak and facetted.
Snowpack depths at treeline range from 100 - 160 cm.
Weather Summary
The temperature will increase through the forecast period with little to no precipitation.
Check out the Mountain Weather Forecast for the most up to date information.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
With new snow totaling up to 30 cm, ski triggerable slabs may exist in steep open areas at all elevations
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Dry
In some areas of thin snowpack there are unconsolidated facets down to the ground. In these areas you may be able to trigger larger than expected dry loose avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5