Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Mar 7 – 8, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 7 months ago

Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Uncertainty remains regarding a layer of facets 40 to 60 cm deep that is producing variable moderate results with stability tests. Several avalanches have failed on this layer over the past week.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Recent strong winds from the W/SW have redistributed surface snow into lee pockets in the alpine. Use caution when transitioning into this type of terrain.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1.5–3.5

    A facet or facet/crust interface 40 to 60 cm down, formed in late January, has been the failure plane for several large avalanches in the region this week. We have limited information on its spatial distribution, but this layer has been observed on all aspects and elevations.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain about how quickly persistent slabs are gaining strength.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported in past 48 hours.

Snowpack Summary

Scouring, wind effect and some windslabs exist in the alpine. The Jan 24 facet/crust layer is down 40-60 cm and producing variable moderate sudden planar results with stability tests. The distribution of this layer is difficult to pin down but has been observed at all elevation bands. A thin temperature crust exists on surface at lower elevations. The lower snowpack is generally strong.

Weather Summary

Saturday: Cloudy with light flurries. Winds strong from the west. Freezing Levels near 2300m

Sunday: 10-20 cm of snow forecast by end of day Sunday. Strong winds from the West. Freezing levels near 2100m.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.

Regions covered