Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 27th, 2026–Mar 28th, 2026

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.

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

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

Strong winds and new snow have built touchy windslabs in most open areas above 1900m. Best to keep to mellow terrain tomorrow and watch overhead exposure. Things are touchy enough that remote triggering isn't out of the question.

Confidence

Moderate

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

Avalanche Summary

Poor visibility today, but a couple of sz 2-2.5's were noted in alpine terrain. They were likely from this morning. Of particular interest was the stepping down within the storm snow. Suggests we have a few layers to wait for.

Snowpack Summary

10-20cm in the last 24hrs with strong to extreme winds have built fresh wind slabs at all elevations. Any open area has a distinct soft slab feel to it with the occasional whumph (sudden settlement). The alpine has an even more widespread windslab problem, with a denser and thicker windslab. Beneath that the Feb 14 is down 60cm at treeline and still a concern with the loading.

Weather Summary

Another 5-10cm are expected tonight with winds to continue on for several more days. Westerly ridge winds will continue in the strong range (40-50km) with strong gusts at all elevations. Temperatures will fall to -10 for a morning low, but creep up to -5 by mid afternoon.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Recent strong wind means wind slabs may be found farther downslope than expected.
Expect slab conditions to change drastically as you move into wind-exposed terrain.

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.

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-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.