Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 11th, 2026–Mar 12th, 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.

Regions

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

Another natural avalanche cycle is likely for tomorrow. This new problem will compound with our existing reactive snowpack. We could see large avalanches running far. Keep it conservative, and avoid overhead exposure.

Confidence

Moderate

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

Avalanche Summary

Nothing seen today, but visibility was poor.

Snowpack Summary

Recent storm snow of up to 40cm at 2400m remains low density at lower elevations, but wind effected at TL and above. This snow sits on a thick and supportive melt-freeze below 2200m and a sun crust on solar aspects up to at least 2400m. Wind slabs become prevalent almost immediately after climbing above 2400m, and some cracking underfoot has been observed over the last couple of days. These fresh wind slabs overlie old wind slabs in some of the terrain, so it is worth digging down and checking for the various potential failure planes. The mid and lower snowpack remains well settled, dense and strong - an unusual treat for the Rockies!

Weather Summary

Snow will roll in tonight and continue for the overnight hours. Forecasts vary slightly, but we are expecting 10-20cm's by tomorrow morning. This is a westerly tracking storm, and may deposit more snow near the divide. Unfortunately we are also expecting high winds with this event. Westerly winds will likely be in the 50-60km/hr mark at 2400m. Temperatures will fall to -15 by 8am.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Expect slab conditions to change drastically as you move into wind-exposed terrain.
Be careful with sluffing in steep terrain, especially above cliffs and terrain traps.

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.

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.