Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Dec 15 – 18, 2023Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 3 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Travel on skis is still very difficult, some eager skiers have been travelling uphill in boots. If you do venture out be very careful as many early-season hazards still exist. See this MIN for photos of conditions.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Few natural wind slabs to size 2 in wind loaded alpine terrain.

Snowpack Summary

Strong to extreme winds continue, however very little snow is still available for transport. Old wind slabs exist in the alpine and treeline 20 - 50 cm deep. This overlies crust on the ground. Total snowpack depths average 30 - 50 cm.

Weather Summary

Friday

Mainly sunny with strong W winds, freezing level 1500 m.

Saturday

Mainly sunny, strong to extreme W winds, freezing level rising to 2000 m.

Sunday

Generally clear conditions. Extreme westerly ridgetop winds will decrease to moderate Sunday afternoon but increase back to extreme speeds in the evening. Freezing levels will hover near or above ridgetop height.

For more info see: Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Regions covered