Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Apr 5 – 8, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Moderate ridgetop winds are forecast over the next few days from varying directions. Watch for wind transport and slab formation near ridge crests.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    This problem may be deeper in lee features with moderate ridgetop winds over the next few days. Watch for wind loading around ridge crests.

  • Loose Wet

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

    Likely to become a problem later in the weekend and Monday as temperatures rise.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed in the past few days, however visibility has been limited with low cloud.

Snowpack Summary

15 - 30 cm of new snow overlies melt freeze crust at all aspects and elevations. The Feb 3rd crust/facet weak layer is buried 60-120 cm deep. Below this, the snowpack consists of a mixture of settled snow and crust/facet layers to ground. Snowpack depths between 80 - 250 cm.

Weather Summary

Sat

10-15 cm snow overnight and flurries through the day. Wind 15-30 km/hr from the NW and freezing level rising to 1700 m.

Sun

Cloudy skies, wind switching to westerly, 25 - 30 km/hr. Freezing level rising to 1900 m.

Mon

Cloudy with flurries through the day and moderate SW winds. Freezing level rising to 2100 m.

For more info: Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Storm snow and wind is forming touchy slabs. Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline.
  • Exercise caution on steep, unsupported slopes.

Regions covered