Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 15th, 2026–Apr 18th, 2026

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Kananaskis, Bow Valley, Highwood Pass, North 40, Spray - KLakes.

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.

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.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Loose Dry

Loose Dry avalanches are the release of dry unconsolidated snow and typically occur within layers of soft snow near the surface of the snowpack. These avalanches start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-dry avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs.