Avalanche forecast

South Rockies

Dec 30 – 31, 2025Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Be aware that small wind slabs have the potential to step down to deeper weak layers.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Primarily westerly winds are continuing to form reactive wind slabs in exposed terrain at and above treeline.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2–3.5

    A crust with facets deep in the snowpack remains a concern. While the probability of triggering this layer is low, the consequences could be severe.

Confidence

Moderate

  • Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported, but observations are extremely limited in the region.

On Dec 21, large, naturally triggered slab avalanches occurred in the North Crowsnest area. These failed on a deep persistent weak layer down 1-2 m, and some stepped down to the ground.

Check out this MIN from our field team.

Snowpack Summary

20 to 40 cm of recent storm snow continues to settle and stabilize. At treeline and below, this snow has buried a thin melt-freeze crust formed just before Christmas.

Strong westerly winds have redistributed recent snow into deeper deposits at higher elevations.

Near the bottom of the snowpack, a significant crust exists with associated faceted snow.

Weather Summary

Monday Night
Mostly clear skies. 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.

Tuesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 40 to 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C, with a chance of above-freezing temperatures in some alpine terrain.

Wednesday
Mostly sunny. 30 to 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Thursday
Sunny. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.
  • Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Avoid thin areas like rocky outcrops where you're most likely to trigger avalanches on deep weak layers.

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