Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 27th, 2026–Jan 28th, 2026

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Jasper, Brazeau, Churchill, Cirrus-Wilson, Fryatt, Icefields, Maligne, Marmot, Miette Lake, Pyramid.

Tracking a buried surface hoar layer in the region. This weakness may become problematic in areas with new load and transport. Deep persistent layer at the bottom of the snowpack is difficult to trigger; steeper, shallower areas must be carefully assessed and treated with caution.

Good riding in sheltered locations.

Confidence

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed or reported in the region.

Snowpack Summary

The surface hoar, observed throughout the region, has been buried under 3-15 cm of low-density snow. This is a weak layer in the snowpack, but it will become a problem when a denser layer is formed above. This could happen in areas where wind transport is happening or where the new snow becomes settled, usually with time or with further precipitation. The midpack is dense and supportive, but is weak above the ground at the deep persistent layer.

Weather Summary

Overnight: Clear periods. Low -7 °C. Ridge wind light to 15 km/h. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Wednesday: A mix of sun and cloud. High -6 °C. Light ridge wind, gusting to 25 km/h. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Thursday: Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Precipitation: Trace. Low -9 °C, High -6 °C. Ridge wind light to 15 km/h. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Avoid areas with a thin or variable snowpack.
Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.
Be mindful that deep instabilities are still present in the snowpack.

Problems

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.

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.