Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 12th, 2024–Dec 15th, 2024

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Waterton Lakes, Waterton.

There is good skiing to be had in sheltered areas at treeline. Wind slabs may still be reactive to skier triggering in exposed areas - watch for areas of stiff, wind affected snow and avoid steep lee features.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new natural avalanches have been observed in the park, however observations have been limited.

The local ski area has reported wind slab results up to size 2 with explosive control this week.

Weather Summary

Fri

Mix of sun and cloud, light to moderate NW winds. Alpine high of -5°C.

Sat

Mostly sunny, strong to extreme westerly winds. Alpine high of 0°C.

Sun

Cloudy with light snow, alpine high of -2°C. Light to moderate westerly winds.

Check out the Mountain Weather Forecast for the most up to date information.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Watch for areas of hard wind slab on alpine features.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.