Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 4th, 2026–Jan 5th, 2026

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

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

Excellent ski quality out there at the moment! Where features have been sheltered from the wind, you will be rewarded with quality. As you move higher into terrain, wind effect is present and ski quality decreases.

Confidence

Avalanche Summary

Forecasters out skiing today with limited visibility did not observe any new avalanche activity, nor was any activity reported.

Snowpack Summary

10-15cm over the last 2 days has buried the surface hoar up to 2200m. In most open places at Treeline and above, the wind has eliminated this layer of surface hoar. Wind slabs are widespread in the Alpine and open areas at Treeline, averaging 30 to 70cm thick. This surface wind slab is producing a moderate shear on decomposed crystals at Treeline locations in recent days. If you notice a drummy feel to the snowpack, consider the terrain you are connected to, both under your feet and above you. Stiff wind slabs could travel across a feature and create a large avalanche. The November crust still lingers at the base of the snowpack down 170cm or so and is still a concern for triggering from thinner snowpack areas.

Weather Summary

Monday will see partly sunny conditions with some isolated flurries. A day time high of -9

And the winds, well they will continue blowing in the 40-60km/h range out of the West at ridge top.

https://hpfx.collab.science.gc.ca/~fsg006/productviewer/ab/table/AB_Rockies_Forecast.html

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Keep in mind that human triggering may persist as natural avalanches taper off.
Avoid slopes that sound hollow or drum-like.
Avoid steep terrain, including convex rolls, or areas with a thin, rocky, or variable snowpack.

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.

Deep Persistent Slabs

Deep Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a thick cohesive layer of hard snow (a slab), when the bond breaks between the slab and an underlying persistent weak layer deep in the snowpack. The most common persistent weak layers involved in deep, persistent slabs are depth hoar or facets surrounding a deeply buried crust. Deep Persistent Slabs are typically hard to trigger, are very destructive and dangerous due to the large mass of snow involved, and can persist for months once developed. They are often triggered from areas where the snow is shallow and weak, and are particularly difficult to forecast for and manage.