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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 16th, 2026–Mar 17th, 2026

Alpine
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Treeline
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Alpine
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Treeline
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Below Treeline
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Alpine
Widespread avalanches certain.
Treeline
Widespread avalanches certain.
Below Treeline
Widespread avalanches certain.

Regions

Banff Yoho Kootenay, Little Yoho, Banff, East Side 93N, Kootenay, Lake Louise, LLSA, Sunshine, West Side 93N, Field.

The hazard is starting to increase as a series of atmospheric rivers brings warmer temperatures, extreme winds, and heavy precipitation to the region. As the storm hits Tuesday, we advise backcountry users to stay out of avalanche terrain this week.

Confidence

Moderate

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

Avalanche Summary

A couple of skier-triggered avalanches up to size 2.5 occurred on Saturday and Sunday. One was a small wind slab on Bow Peak, and the larger one appeared to fail on a persistent layer down 50-60 cm on Mt Bourgeau.

A significant and widespread natural avalanche cycle is expected to begin Tuesday afternoon and will likely continue through the end of the week.

Snowpack Summary

Expect slab development at upper elevations on Tuesday, loading lee slopes from extreme winds. Beneath this, the March 8 rain crust is down 20-50cm, at 1900 m and below on all aspects, with buried sun crusts at higher elevations. The Jan 24 persistent layer is down 40-110 cm, and is primarily surface hoar at treeline and below in Kootenay and Yoho, and facets at all elevation bands in other areas. Below this, the snowpack is well settled with no significant weaknesses.

Weather Summary

A series of atmospheric rivers will move into the forecast region beginning Monday evening. As the system approaches, freezing levels will rise, peaking near 2,300 m. Heavy precipitation is expected, falling as rain at lower elevations and snow at higher elevations. Snow accumulations of 40 to 80+ cm are possible by the end of the week. Winds are forecast to reach extreme levels throughout the storm.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy snowfall.

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.

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.

Loose Dry

Loose Dry avalanches are the release of dry unconsolidated snow and typically occur within layers of soft snow near the surface of the snowpack. These avalanches start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-dry avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs.