Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Jan 13 – 16, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

Watch out for a touchy persistent slab problem, most prevalent below treeline in steep, sheltered areas. Lots of hidden hazards exist below treeline. With continued cold temps the consequence of an accident will be large.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    With winds switching back and forth between SW and NE be aware that windslabs may have formed in either standard or reverse lees.

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    This problem will most likely be found in steep sheltered areas at treeline and below.

Weather Summary

Sat

Clear skies, light NE winds. Temps will rise slightly with a high of -25, no precip.

Sun

Partially cloudy with light NE winds. Temp high of -22, no precip.

Mon

Clear skies, moderate NE winds. Temp will climb to a high of -20, no precip.

For more info see: Mountain Weather Forecast.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

One new natural avalanche observed above Little Prairie, suspect over 48h old. Two size 2 persistent slab avalanches were triggered remotely by the field team on Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 70 cm of storm snow overlies a facet and crust combo which exists in more sheltered areas. This overlies a melt freeze crust complex in the alpine and at treeline. Areas close to the divide have the best snow coverage.

Regions covered