Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Mar 1 – 2, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 7 months ago

Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Clear skies will continue, and the ski quality has improved, but the avalanche hazard is still elevated.

Be aware of what is above you, especially where the wind may be present.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    20-40cm of recent snow, with sustained and continued moderate to strong winds, has formed widespread slabs at ridgetop and below.

  • Storm Slabs

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

    The new snow may form slab properties over old facets as temperatures warm up.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain due to a limited number of field observations.

Avalanche Summary

A widespread natural avalanche cycle up size 3 has occurred in the last 24-48 hours and is slowly tapering off.

Snowpack Summary

15-40 cm has fallen in this region over the last 72 hours, with the highest amounts along the divide North of Lake Louise. Strong to extreme SW/W winds have created reactive wind slabs at ridgetop and in wind-exposed areas. In some thin areas, there are facets near the base, but overall, the snowpack is stronger than usual.

Weather Summary

Tonight: Clear. Alpine temperature: Low -7 °C. Mostly light ridge wind occasionally gusting to 40 km/h.

Sunday: Sunny. Alpine temperature: High -3 °C. Mostly light ridge wind occasionally gusting to 40 km/h. Freezing level: 2000 meters.

Monday: A mix of sun and cloud. Alpine temperature: Low -4 °C, High -1 °C. Mostly light ridge wind occasionally gusting to 50 km/h. Freezing level: 2200 meters.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid areas with overhead hazard.

Regions covered