Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 16th, 2026–Feb 17th, 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 unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Jasper, Brazeau, Churchill, Cirrus-Wilson, Fryatt, Icefields, Maligne, Marmot, Miette Lake, Pyramid.

New snow will improve ski quality in sheltered areas.

Pay attention to wind slabs developing throughout the day on Tuesday.

Avoid confined terrain where small avalanches can have greater consequences.

Confidence

Moderate

We are uncertain due to the variability of wind effect on the snowpack.

Avalanche Summary

Small cornice and loose/dry avalanche activity has been reported along the icefields parkway over the weekend.

Snowpack Summary

10-20 cm of soft snow in sheltered locations overlie various melt freeze crusts and older wind affected snow, or a patchy surface hoar layer below treeline. The midpack is generally dense and well consolidated with basal facets in many areas.

Weather Summary

Environment Canada has issued a Special Weather Statement for Central to Southern Alberta including Jasper. General snowfall amounts of 5 to 10 cm are expected with 15 cm likely on sections of the Icefields Parkway. Snow will accumulate late Monday and taper off Tuesday evening. During the storm, winds will shift through the South to North-East and then back to a Westerly flow.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Watch for signs of slab formation throughout the day.
Recent wind has varied in direction, so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.

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.

Loose Dry

Loose Dry avalanches are the release of dry unconsolidated snow and typically occur within layers of soft snow near the surface of the snowpack. These avalanches start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-dry avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs.