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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 27th, 2026–Feb 28th, 2026

Alpine
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

Banff Yoho Kootenay, Banff, East Side 93N, LLSA, West Side 93N.

The storm is ending, but avalanche ratings will remain elevated until the new snow settles. Expect touchy wind slabs in any open area, and avoid overhead exposure.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain due to a limited number of field observations.

Avalanche Summary

Sunshine ski area was getting size 1 - 2 wind slabs with ski cuts and control, including a size in the wild west on the Jan 24th surface hoar. Poor visibility on a road patrol up Highway 93N, but lots of sluffing was observed, and we suspect a natural cycle is ongoing.

Snowpack Summary

15-40 cm fell in this region, with the highest amounts along the divide North of Lake Louise. Strong-to-extreme SW/W winds have created reactive wind slabs in any wind-exposed area. In some thin areas, there are facets near the base, but overall, the snowpack is stronger than usual.

Weather Summary

The storm ends Friday night with a few cm expected and diminishing winds.

Saturday: Sunny with moderate W winds and no snow, Treeline temperatures staying at -7C.

Sunday: Sunny with moderate W winds, no snow and freezing levels to 1900m.

Monday: Mainly cloudy with strong W winds and no snow. Freezing levels rising to 2100m.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy snowfall.
  • Avoid areas with overhead hazard.

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.

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-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.