Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Feb 6 – 7, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Temperatures will remain warm on Friday, including at higher elevations. The stated danger ratings reflect the highest we expect to see during the day. Watch locally for how much overnight refreezing occurs and monitor warming.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Strong winds Tuesday and Wednesday have produced wind slabs in isolated locations at ridgetop.

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    A surface slab over hard surfaces and/or surface hoar is a problem that could catch users off guard as it is likely susceptible to human triggering. Avoid unsupported, steep open slopes where this problem may occur. Below treeline, this has been observed to be a problem in Kootenay.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–1.5

    Clear skies and warm air will elevate freezing to ridgetop and higher on southerly aspects. Wet loose avalanches are possible the warmer and more sun we get, particularly proximate to southerly rock outcrops. If there is a crust, the danger will be lower in your area.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain due to variable freezing levels.

Avalanche Summary

Lake Louise ski hill reported a few wet sluffs out-of-bounds. Road patrols to Kootenay and Field saw natural activity to size 2.5 during the day. Most were point releases out of rocky areas, running far on the surface hoar..

Snowpack Summary

The 2000m temperatures reached 10 °C on Thursday! Dry and moist snow, depending on elevation and aspect (10-30cm), overlies the Jan 24th surface hoar, crust and/or previously wind-affected snow.

Widespread previous wind effect in alpine and contiguous exposed areas at treeline.

Weather Summary

Friday: Winds 20 becoming 40kmh from the West. An above-freezing layer is expected between 2400 and 3300m. No snow with a mix of sun and cloud.

Saturday: Lowering overall temperatures but still mild. Moderate to strong SW winds and light snow developing in the evening. (5-10cm).

Sunday: Trace snow, and cooler temperatures (-4C at treeline). Winds light from the West.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Use extra caution for areas that are experiencing rapidly warming temperatures for the first time.
  • Approach steep and open slopes at and below treeline cautiously, as buried surface hoar may exist.
  • Wind slabs are isolated, but may remain reactive.

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