Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 5th, 2026–Jan 7th, 2026

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

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

Small amounts of snow over the last few days has rapidly improved the ski quality once again. Excellent ski quality is found most locations. Notice a slight bump in alpine & below treeline danger rating.

Confidence

Avalanche Summary

Forecasting teams skiing in below treeline elevations today were easily ski cutting small storm slabs on steeper unsupported rolls, On the drive to and from, several storm slabs at treeline and below elevations were also observed.

Snowpack Summary

Another 15cm overnight brings the 48hr total close to 30cm. The end of the storm on Sunday ended with graupel overlying a lot of the region. As the next storm on Sunday night deposited another 15cm this created a reactive storm slab. Forecasters were easily able to ski cut small storm slabs on steeper features at below treeline elevations. Observations from the road in higher Treeline and alpine terrain noted several fresh storm/wind slabs. Below this is a spotty layer of surface hoar up to 2200m which also adds to the sensitivity of the storm slab. 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

Tuesday: Mainly cloudy with scattered flurries.

5cm currently forecasted with a day time high of -12.

Winds continue to blow out of the SouthWest at 40-50km/h

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

Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.
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

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.

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.