Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 23rd, 2026–Mar 24th, 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 avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

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

A storm arrives on Tuesday which won't likely raise the avalanche danger until late in the day, or into Wednesday. However, keep an eye on localized conditions and be prepared to adjust terrain choices if the timing of the snowfall is earlier than expected. Ski quality is currently very poor until above 2400m.

Confidence

Moderate

We are uncertain due to the timing of the incoming weather system.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches observed today.

The recent widespread historical avalanche cycle is beginning to slow down but it hasn't ended just yet. Recent wind slabs on Saturday were still failing in alpine areas as the winds increased throughout the day.

Snowpack Summary

Surface crusts up to 35cm thick are now widespread below 2400m, and in most cases the crust is supportive to skier traffic. Underneath the crust the snowpack remains moist to a depth of as much as 40cm down.

Recent storm snow above 2400m up to 50cm deep is being redistributed by strong winds, and forming wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain. These wind slabs are likely to be reactive as the new snow reloads previous bed surfaces and/or adds load to slopes that didn't release during the big rain/snow/wind event last week,

Weather Summary

Tuesday will be overcast with a high of -3C at ridgetop. Flurries will start in the morning with accumulations near 5cm by midday and 20cm by late evening. Freezing levels could reach as high as 2100m. Winds will initially be light from the SW in the morning, increasing to moderate midday and then strong by evening. A further 5cm is possible by Wednesday.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

A hard crust on the snow surface will help strengthen the snowpack, but may cause tough travel conditions.
Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Avoid freshly wind-loaded terrain features.

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.

Cornices

Cornice Fall is the release of an overhanging mass of snow that forms as the wind moves snow over a sharp terrain feature, such as a ridge, and deposits snow on the downwind (leeward) side. Cornices range in size from small wind drifts of soft snow to large overhangs of hard snow that are 30 feet (10 meters) or taller. They can break off the terrain suddenly and pull back onto the ridge top and catch people by surprise even on the flat ground above the slope. Even small cornices can have enough mass to be destructive and deadly. Cornice Fall can entrain loose surface snow or trigger slab avalanches.