Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 2nd, 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.

Westerly winds have left there mark in Alpine and treeline areas with windslabs common in these areas. Sheltered terrain is still offering good skiing. Continue to avoid thin weak areas where its possible to trigger the deeper layers.

Confidence

Avalanche Summary

On Thursday a sz 2.5 skier/snowshoer remote avalanche was triggered from 1m away on a NW aspect at treeline on Little Chester peak. This avalanche had wide propagation and appearred to step down to the November crust/Ground in a few areas.

Another sz 3 avalanche was reported on Thursday near Burstall Pass that cross the valley floor burying the commonly travelled trail. Wind loading was the suspected trigger.

Snowpack Summary

A thin dusting of snow has recently covered the surface hoar up to 2200m. In most open places at treeline and above the wind has eliminated this layer. The top 30-40cm wind slabs are widespread in the Alpine and open areas at treeline. This surface wind slab was producing a moderate shear on decomposed crystals on Friday at treeline locations. If you notice a drummy feel to the snowpack, consider the terrain you are connected to and or above. Stiff windslabs, if triggered, will 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

The winds are with us for a bit! We may see 4-5cm of snow over the next 24hrs but not a significant amount. Temperatures will continue to be above average around -5C. Click the link below for more forecast details

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.