Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Apr 12 – 15, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Wet loose avalanches will remain a problem until temperatures drop on Tuesday. An incoming storm on Wednesday will bring snow and wind. Lookout for building windslabs in exposed lee terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    The problem will be the most prevalent Wednesday near ridgecrests, as we are forecasted for new snow accompanied by moderate to high winds.

  • Loose Wet

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

    This problem will be the most prevalent during the beginning of the forecast period (Monday), as high temperatures continue, accompanied by rain.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain about alpine conditions due to limited field observations.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches, but recent observations have been limited.

Snowpack Summary

This storm's precipitation will fall on top of snow, which is currently moist, but will begin to refreeze Tuesday. Under this, sits a thick crust, except on some north‑facing alpine slopes, where facets persist over the crust. The mid and lower snowpack are well settled with no notable weak layers.

Weather Summary

Monday

Showers, up to 6 mm of water. Alpine Low of 1 °C, High of 4 °C. Wind gusting to 50 km/h. Freezing level at 2500 m.

Tuesday

Scattered flurries. Up to 5 cm of snow. Alpine Low of -3 °C, High of 0 °C. SW wind gusting to 60 km/h. Freezing level at 2000 m.

Wednesday

Up to 19 cm of snow. Alpine Low of -4 °C, High of 0 °C. SW wind gusting to 65 km/h. Freezing level at 2000 m.

Current weather forecast: Mountain Weather Forecast

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Keep in mind that the high density of wet avalanches can make them destructive.
  • Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.

Regions covered