Avalanche forecast

South Rockies

Mar 8 – 9, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

Buried persistent weak layers continue to drive the hazard. Stick to conservative terrain and avoid slopes with overhead exposure.

Fresh wind slabs may be reactive at higher elevations.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Fresh and reactive wind slabs may continue to form. Small wind slabs may step down to deeper weak layers.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–3

    Surface hoar or a crust, is at a perfect depth for human triggering. Greatest concern is for north and east facing slopes at treeline and below.

Avalanche Summary

Persistent slab avalanches have been reported over the past week from natural, rider, and explosive triggers to size 3. Avalanches have primarily been at treeline and below, on all but south facing slopes.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are confident that there are persistent slabs in the snowpack, but uncertain about how likely they are to trigger.
  • We are uncertain due to the variability of wind effect on the snowpack.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 20 cm of snow has fallen in the north of the region, tapering to 5–10 cm elsewhere. Strong west winds have likely formed wind slabs at treeline and above over a new surface hoar or crust layer. At lower elevations, rain has likely created a supportive surface crust.

A persistent weak layer of surface hoar or crust is buried 40–60 cm deep, and up to 100 cm deep in areas with deeper snowpacks, such as the Dogtooth Range. While reports of persistent slab avalanches have tapered, this layer remains a concern.

The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled. In shallow snowpack areas, large facets or depth hoar exist near the ground.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night
Partly cloudy. 1 to 4 cm of snow. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Monday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 2 cm of snow. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -11 °C.

Tuesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 2 to 4 cm of snow. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

Wednesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 2 to 4 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, or recent avalanches.
  • Be aware of the potential for remote triggering and large avalanches due to buried surface hoar.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.

Regions covered