Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Apr 15 – 18, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

By Thursday afternoon we are expected to receive up to 50 cm of snow. Storm slabs are our primary concern for Thursday.

Friday and Saturday the sun will begin to appear, expect to see wet loose avalanches on solar slopes and at lower elevation bands.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

  • Loose Wet

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

    Solar radiation is expected to be strong Friday and Saturday. We expect new snow to quickly become moist, increasing the likelihood of wet loose avalanches.

Confidence

Avalanche Summary

A few wet loose avalanches, up to size 1 were observed on Monday. Since the start of the storm we have had poor visibility, but suspect there has been small sized natural avalanches.

Snowpack Summary

Thursday morning's snow will be falling on top of 25 cm of storm snow from Wednesday. Under this sits a melt freeze crust. On some isolated north‑facing alpine slopes, facets persist above a thick rain crust from March's atmospheric river. The mid‑ and lower snowpack are well settled with no notable weak layers.

Weather Summary

Thurs

26 cm of snow by Thursday morning. Alpine Low of -10 °C, High of -7 °C. Wind gusting to 30 km/h. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Fri

A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. Alpine Low of -8 °C, High of -3 °C. E wind gusting to 30 km/h. Freezing level at 1800 m.

Sat

Sun and clouds. Alpine Low of -5 °C, High of 0 °C. E wind gusting to 30 km/h. Freezing level at 2100 m.

Current weather forecast: Mountain Weather Forecast

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
  • Rocks will heat up with daytime warming and may become trigger points for loose wet avalanches.
  • Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.

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