Avalanche forecast

South Rockies

Mar 27 – 28, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low

Highlights

Lingering wind slabs may remain possible to trigger on Saturday.

Avoid steep, rocky, and wind affected areas where triggering slabs is most likely.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    20 to 30 cm of recent snow and extreme southwest winds formed wind slabs on lee aspects at upper elevations. These slabs are most likely to be reactive on steep slopes below ridgetops.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1–1.5

    Strong solar radiation will very likely trigger wet loose avalanches on steep sunny slopes.

Confidence

High

  • We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported on Thursday. However, observations in this region are very limited.

If you are heading into the backcountry, please consider sharing conditions by posting a MIN.

Snowpack Summary

20 to 30 cm of recent snow and extreme southwest winds formed wind slabs on lee aspects at upper elevations. These slabs are most likely to be reactive on steep slopes below ridgetops. The recent snow sits on a thick crust.

The snowpack below is moist to ground and well settled in most locations, except northerly aspects in the alpine.

The snowpack depth tapers rapidly at lower elevations.

Weather Summary

Friday Night
Mostly clear skies. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.

Saturday
Mix of sun and clouds. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.

Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 0 to 5 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Monday
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 15 cm of snow. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Stay off recently wind loaded slopes until they have had a chance to stabilize.
  • Avoid steep, rocky, and wind-affected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
  • A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.

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