Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Apr 6 – 8, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 5 months ago

Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low

Highlights

A lingering persistent slab problem remains on high, north‑facing terrain, though sensitivity is decreasing as warm temperatures affect the upper snowpack. Careful slope assessment is still essential before committing.

If sunshine develops, expect rapid warming on solar aspects, with wet loose avalanches becoming likely.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2.5

    On shaded slopes at treeline and in the alpine, facets were observed above a thick crust with a cohesive slab on top. Easy to moderate test results were recorded on this layer on Thursday. With warmer daytime temps over the past few days and overnight refreezing, sensitivity is decreasing.

  • Loose Wet

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

    This problem will be most prevalent on slopes that receive direct sunshine.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain about alpine conditions due to limited field observations.

Avalanche Summary

No observations were taken over the holiday weekend.

Snowpack Summary

Surface snow is currently in a melt‑freeze cycle, becoming moist during the day and refreezing overnight, and rests on a thick crust. On north‑facing alpine slopes, facets persist on this crust with a slab above. The mid‑ and lower snowpack are well settled with no notable weak layers.

Weather Summary

Monday

Sunny with cloudy periods. Low of 5 °C. High of 8 °C. Wind gusting to 40 km/h. Freezing level: 2900 m.

Tuesday

Isolated flurries, up to 4 cm of snow. Low of -6 °C. High of 5 °C. Wind gusting to 70 km/h. Freezing level: 2700 m.

Wednesday

Sunny with cloudy periods. Low of -7 °C. High of 3 °C. Wind gusting to 35 km/h. Freezing level: 2400 m.

Current weather forecast: Mountain Weather Forecast

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Rocks will heat up with daytime warming and may become trigger points for loose wet avalanches.
  • Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.

Regions covered