Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Apr 10 – 13, 2023Avalanche Canada
View on map
Archived · expired 3 years ago

Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
Open full map

Highlights

Freezing levels have remained high for the past 48 hrs, travel on skis is currently very difficult with unsupportive wet snow. Wet loose avalanches may still be reactive Tuesday morning before the temperature drops over the day and decreases the hazard.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Alpine wind slabs may develop if freezing levels drop early in the day and the incoming precipitation falls as snow.

  • Loose Wet

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

    Reactivity will decrease as temperatures drop through the day.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Numerous wet loose avalanches up to size 2.5 were observed on Monday from steep terrain and on all aspects.

Snowpack Summary

10 mm of rain at all elevations on Monday resulting in moist snow. The January melt freeze crust is buried 60-100cm. Alpine and Treeline midpack is well settled and overlies basal facets and depth hoar. Below treeline now moist to ground.

Weather Summary

Tuesday

Up to 10 mm precip, initially falling as rain, snow possible later in the day. Alpine high of 2°C, moderate to strong SW winds.

Wednesday

Mix of sun and cloud with some flurries, alpine high of -3°C. Moderate SW winds.

Thursday

Light snow, up to 10 cm possible. Light winds, alpine high of -2°C.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.
  • Minimize overhead exposure; avalanches triggered by warming or cornice fall may be large and destructive.

Regions covered