Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 14th, 2026–Apr 15th, 2026

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Spring Conditions

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Spring Conditions

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Spring Conditions

Regions

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

A Spring storm could bring as much as 20cm of fresh snow to the Alpine. A return to a winter mindset is appropriate, as sensitive wind slabs are likely to form over the next 24+hrs.

Confidence

Moderate

We are uncertain due to the track and intensity of the incoming weather system.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity was observed or reported Tuesday.

Snowpack Summary

A widespread crust can be found on all aspects as high as the peaks on all aspects except pure north. Dry snow can be found on northern aspects above 2300m but there is also some wind affect in these areas. If the weather forecast comes true, this could all be blanketed by up to 20cm of heavy snow. Together with strong forecasted winds, fresh wind slabs are likely at upper elevations. These slabs may be sensitive to human triggering where they overlie a solid crust. Take the time to dig and explore before committing to steeper wind loaded terrain.

Weather Summary

Wednesday will bring a brief return to winter with temperatures ranging between -5C and -10C, strong SW winds, and 10 to 20cm of snow. Freezing levels will be 1600m or lower.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.
Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.
Avoid steep, sun-exposed slopes when the air temperature is warm or when solar radiation is strong.

Problems

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.