Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 6th, 2026–Jan 7th, 2026

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.

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

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

New snow and wind have created sensitive wind slabs, especially at upper elevations. Skier triggering is likely. Conservative terrain selection is advised.

Confidence

Avalanche Summary

Observations were limited today in poor visibility, but forecasters on Monday were triggering smaller pockets of the fresh wind slab up to size 1. Natural avalanche activity was also observed up to size 1.5 on steeper east aspects. Given the additional snow and continued wind, it is likely that more avalanche activity is ongoing.

Snowpack Summary

Another 10 to 20cm of new snow in the past 24hrs brings the 72hr total to 30-40cm. This recent snow has created 30-50cm deep fresh wind slabs due to very strong westerly winds. These slabs sit on a weak layer of surface hoar, graupel, and/or stellars, and has been reactive to ski cutting and natural avalanche activity. In addition, previously formed wind slabs (now buried) are widespread in the Alpine and open areas at Treeline. These buried slabs may now be less sensitive to triggering, but it is worth digging down and checking it out. The November crust still lingers at the base of the snowpack down 170cm or so and is still a concern for triggering from thinner snowpack areas.

Weather Summary

Wednesday looks to be cloudy with a high of -12C. Winds will continue in the 80+km/h range out of the West at ridgetop. Another 10cmof new snow is expected by end of day.

https://hpfx.collab.science.gc.ca/~fsg006/productviewer/ab/table/AB_Rockies_Forecast.html

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.
Avoid slopes that sound hollow or drum-like.
Avoid steep terrain, including convex rolls, or areas with a thin, rocky, or variable snowpack.

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.

Deep Persistent Slabs

Deep Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a thick cohesive layer of hard snow (a slab), when the bond breaks between the slab and an underlying persistent weak layer deep in the snowpack. The most common persistent weak layers involved in deep, persistent slabs are depth hoar or facets surrounding a deeply buried crust. Deep Persistent Slabs are typically hard to trigger, are very destructive and dangerous due to the large mass of snow involved, and can persist for months once developed. They are often triggered from areas where the snow is shallow and weak, and are particularly difficult to forecast for and manage.