Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Waterton, Waterton Lakes.
Large avalanches remain skier triggerable on a lingering weak layer that has yet to heal.
New snow this week may be tempting, but conservative terrain choices are a must to stay safe out there.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Evidence still exists of a widespread natural avalanche cycle from a week ago, but no new avalanches have been observed in the past few days.
A size 3 persistent slab avalanche was triggered by skiers in K-country on Sunday.
Snowpack Summary
Moderate to strong SW winds and 15 cm of recent snow have built windlabs in the alpine and at treeline. A new sun crust exists on solar aspects under this snow. The Feb 3rd crust/facets are down 60-120 cm. Below this, snowpack is a well settled facet crust complex. Snowpack depths between 80 - 230 cm.
Weather Summary
Tues
Mostly cloudy with flurries and moderate to strong SW winds. 5 cm of precip. Freezing level 1500 m, alpine high of -7°C.
Wed
Up to 10cm with overcast skies. Winds switching to light from the north with an alpine high of -9°C and freezing level at 1500 m.
Thurs
Skies clearing with light north wind, no precip. Alpine high of -5°C with freezing level at 1500 m.
For more info: Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
This layer likely requires larger triggers or thin spots to initiate.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 4
Wind Slabs
Continued moderate to strong winds and light snow will build windslab in lee features. If triggered, windslabs could step down to the deeper persistent layer and yield a large avalanche.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5