Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 1st, 2026–Jan 2nd, 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.

The avalanche hazard in the alpine has been lowered, mostly because natural activity has slowed down. Take the time to investigate the windslabs before entering ski lines.

Confidence

Avalanche Summary

One size 2.5 avalanche appeared to be triggered by snowshoers on the West face of Little Chester peak. The tracks were about 5m away from the avalanche. This is an example of triggerring from a thin spot.

Snowpack Summary

Surface hoar continues to grow and could be a layer of concern in the future. We suspect a thin melt/freeze crust on solar aspects from warm temps and intense solar radiation. 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. We have an average of 170cm of snow at treeline. The November crust can be found up to 2200m and 140cm below the surface and is breaking down. There is concern for triggering avalanches from thin snowpack areas.

Weather Summary

Friday will be a mixed bag of sun, cloud and maybe the odd flurry. Temperature will be around -6c, along with strong West winds.

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.