Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Apr 1 – 2, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Skiing conditions have been excellent on sheltered northerly aspects. The main concern in the snowpack is lingering wind slabs in the alpine, as well as exposure to large overhead cornices, as we have recently seen cornice failures initiate large avalanches.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Storm snow and wind from last week formed wind slabs that continue to linger in alpine terrain.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3

    A facet/crust interface from Jan is buried 70–180 cm deep. We are still seeing some hard, sudden test results at elevations above the Mar 20th rain crust (~2300 m). Large triggers like cornice falls or surface avalanches may trigger this layer.

Confidence

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed or reported on Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

Wind slabs persist in the alpine. On solar aspects, a surface crust has formed, which is more pronounced at lower elevations. On polar aspects, 20–50 cm of snow overlies the March 20 rain crust, which exists below 2100–2300 m. Cornice growth continues.

The Jan 24th facet layer is buried 70–180 cm deep at treeline and in the alpine, with some tests still producing hard, sudden results

Weather Summary

No significant change in the forecast for the coming days. Temperatures will remain cooler, with nightly lows around -10°C and daytime highs near zero at valley bottom. We can expect a mix of sun and cloud with a trace amount of precipitation, and ridgetop winds will stay in the light to moderate range.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Cornice failures could trigger large and destructive avalanches.

Regions covered