Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Apr 15 – 18, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low

Highlights

Recent snow and an overnight storm will give us close to 30cm of new snow at treeline. Winds will be moderate and variable so watch for windslabs on all aspects at upper elevations. Evaluate the bond between the new snow and old crust surface.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    Watch for fresh wind slab formation at upper elevations. These slabs could be more touchy where they overlie a strong crust.

  • Loose Dry

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

    Loose dry in steeper terrain may run far on the underlying crust.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain due to the track and intensity of the incoming weather system.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity was observed or reported Tuesday.

Snowpack Summary

20cm of recent snow is overlying a widespread crust that can be found on all aspects except true north. Isolated windslabs should be expected in Alpine terrain along ridgetops on all aspects and even down into treeline that are 30-40cm thick from the recent winds. At treeline these slabs would be overlying a temperature crust from earlier in April so we are moving from a period of Low Low Low and a return to regular winter forecasting.

With more snow overnight, and strong winds forecast, these windslabs may get more reactive and deeper. Due to the variable winds, expect this problem on all aspects.

Weather Summary

10-20cm of new snow is forecast with moderate to strong northern winds before the snow and winds ease by Thursday morning. Temperatures will be a return to winter with overnight lows of -12C and daytime highs on Thursday of -5C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Pay attention to isolated wind affected features in the alpine, as well as cross-loaded features at treeline.

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