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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 22nd, 2026–Mar 23rd, 2026

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

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

Lower elevations have recovered from last week’s atmospheric river, as cooler temperatures have refrozen the rain-soaked snowpack. This is not the case at upper elevations, where we continue to see evidence of a reactive snowpack producing large avalanches.

Confidence

Avalanche Summary

A widespread avalanche cycle has occurred over the past week, with avalanches reaching up to size 4. Explosive control work on Sunday along Highway 93S produced large avalanches up to size 3.

The widespread results from avalanche control indicate that the alpine remains highly reactive and continues to produce consistent large avalanches. This reactivity tapers with elevations.

Snowpack Summary

60-150 mm of precipitation has fell over the last week, which translates into roughly 100-160 cm of storm snow at higher elevations, and significant amounts of rain at lower elevations which is forming a crust treeline and below. Strong south and west winds have loaded lee aspects.

Weather Summary

A few flurries are expected on Monday, with a mix of sun and cloud throughout the day. By Monday night, the next system will move into the region, bringing 20 to 40 cm of snow along with moderate to strong south and west winds. Freezing levels will climb to 1800 m.

This system is expected to move through by Thursday, followed by a ridge of high pressure building in its wake.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Give the new snow several days to settle and stabilize before pushing into bigger terrain.
  • Very large and destructive avalanches could reach valley bottom.
  • Carefully manage your exposure to overhead hazards.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) in the middle to upper snowpack, when the bond to an underlying persistent weak layer breaks. Persistent layers include: surface hoar, depth hoar, near-surface facets, or faceted snow. Persistent weak layers can continue to produce avalanches for days, weeks or even months, making them especially dangerous and tricky. As additional snow and wind events build a thicker slab on top of the persistent weak layer, this avalanche problem may develop into a Deep Persistent Slab.

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.