Dashboard Regions Weather Stations Radar Alerts Glossary
Contact About
Log In

Register for an account and never miss a forecast again!

Register

Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 25th, 2026–Feb 26th, 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 and human triggered avalanches likely.
Treeline
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Alpine
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Treeline
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Regions

Banff Yoho Kootenay, Banff, East Side 93N, Lake Louise, LLSA, Sunshine, West Side 93N, Field.

A storm system is expected to arrive Thursday and build through Thursday night and Friday. This will result in increasing avalanche hazard. Conservative terrain choices are required.

Confidence

Moderate

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

Avalanche Summary

Sunshine and Lake Louise ski areas reported explosive and skier controlled wind slabs in alpine lees up to size 1.

Snowpack Summary

Forecasted wind and new snow on Thursday and Friday will create fresh wind slabs and storm slabs at all elevations. In some areas, the Jan 24 surface hoar or crust is 25 to 35 cm down at treeline and below. This layer may become reactive with the additional load of the incoming storm. Starting Thursday afternoon, the snowpack's stability will deteriorate rapidly as the storm arrives.

Weather Summary

A significant storm is expected to hit the forecast region starting on Thursday and cresting Thursday night and Friday. Forecast amounts vary, but amounts could be in the range of 25-35 in the north regions and 15-20 in the southern regions. The one factor that is consistent is the wind. Forecasted winds for all regions is strong from the west. With the forecasted wind and snow we expect to see an avalanche cycle.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.

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.