Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Apr 17 – 18, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
Spring conditions
Below
Spring conditions
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Highlights

It is Spring time. High freezing levels and sunny skies will create unstable conditions in the afternoon when the day warms up. Start and end your day early.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Recent snow and winds may have formed isolated wind slabs at upper elevations. Some northerly winds may have loaded southerly slopes more than usual.

  • Loose Wet

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

    Higher freezing levels and lots of solar radiation will result in loose wet avalanches out of steeper terrain.

Confidence

Avalanche Summary

A size one skier triggered wind slab in the alpine was reported from the Sunshine back-country on Friday.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 30cm of settled storm snow overlies crusts up to ridgetop on solar aspects and ~2300m on north aspects. Fresh surface crusts exist below treeline which will break down with day time heating. The lower snowpack is generally well settled.

Weather Summary

A ridge of high pressure exists over the forecast area. This will bring clear skies, and lots of sunshine. Expect good freezes overnight with freezing levels rising to 2300m on Saturday and 2600m on Sunday

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Limit exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.

Regions covered