Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Feb 15 – 18, 2025Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

Snowfall amounts through the weekend are uncertain with some optimistic reports calling for an additional 20 cm. If total storm snow amounts reach 25 cm or more at the Akamina Pass weather station, expect larger dry loose avalanches to occur at all elevations. Despite cooler temps the ski quality will be quite good in all areas.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Lingering windslabs exist under the new storm snow. Use caution in windloaded areas.

  • Loose Dry

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

    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.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Few natural windslabs up to size 2, and a notable skier triggered size 1 dry loose that ran to ground on facets (see photo).

Snowpack Summary

10cm 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 - 150 cm.

Weather Summary

More snow is on tap for the weekend. Optimistic forecasts are calling for an additional 20 cm by Monday.

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

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
  • Loose avalanches may start small, but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.

Regions covered