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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 28th, 2025–Mar 3rd, 2025
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Waterton, Waterton Lakes.

Numerous large avalanches have been observed in Waterton in the last 24h. Expect to see more activity with this weekends warm temperatures. Now is the time to choose very conservative terrain or head to the ski hill.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Another widespread natural avalanche cycle occurred on Thursday during a wind event. Persistent slab avalanches were observed to size 3.

See the photo for a size 3 avalanche captured in motion on the NW slopes of Blackiston.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 30cm of storm snow from this weekend has been redistributed by SW winds up to 80km/h. These winds have formed windslabs up to 100cm deep at treeline and in the alpine. This overlies the Jan 31 drought layer is down 60-100 cm. Snowpack is generally thin and facetted at all elevations. HS on treeline lees avg 130- 200 cm. Below 1800m snow was moist and has now began to re-freeze.

Weather Summary

Snow arrives on Monday but first a warm weekend.

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

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Keep in mind that human triggering may persist as natural avalanches taper off.
  • Wet avalanche activity may step down to deeply buried persistent weak layers at lower elevations.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

In many places wind slab are failing on or stepping down to the January PWL.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3

Persistent Slabs

New wind loading in the alpine and at treeline is causing the January 31st drought layer to fail in many places. As natural activity tapers this layer will still be in the human triggerable range.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3

Loose Wet

Warm temps are forecast for Saturday and Sunday. With good overnight re-freezes this problem will be isolated to peak warming. Pay special attention to steep solar slopes.

Aspects: South East, South, South West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2