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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 23rd, 2026–Feb 24th, 2026

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

Banff Yoho Kootenay, Banff, East Side 93N, Lake Louise, LLSA, Sunshine, West Side 93N, Field.

The winds have arrived, contributing to widespread windslab development at upper elevations. New surface slab development and exposure to overhead cornices should be top of mind when traveling in the backcountry this week.

Confidence

Avalanche Summary

Reports of a wind-initiated natural avalanche cycle to size 2 at upper elevations were noted on Monday.

Snowpack Summary

New wind slab development is expected at treeline and above as Moderate to strong South and West winds redistribute 25 to 30cm of surface snow onto lee slopes.

In some areas the Jan 24 surface hoar or crust is 25 to 35 cm down at treeline and below. Check before committing to bigger terrain. Snowpack below is generally strong and settled.

Weather Summary

Snow will taper Monday evening as a brief clearing trend moves in Tuesday. This will be short-lived, as another frontal system will move into the region Wednesday, bringing more precipitation. At the moment, there is a large discrepancy in forecasted snowfall amounts, ranging from 5 to 30 cm by Thursday afternoon. Winds will remain elevated through this period, and temperatures will hold near -7°C at 2000m.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Loose avalanches may start small, but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.

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.