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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 24th, 2026–Feb 25th, 2026

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

Regions

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

An avalanche cycle will occur starting on Thursday as a significant storm is on the way, starting Wednesday afternoon through to Friday. After the long spell with minimal snow, expect avalanches to release easily and be careful in all locations as things change. Avoid all avalanche terrain on Thursday and Friday.

Confidence

Avalanche Summary

Both ski areas reported widespread windslabs and lots of avalanche control - Sunshine threw 25 shots and got 14 avalanches up to size 1.5. Lake Louise described windslabs up to 60 cm deep from the deep drifting, but no avalanches larger than size 1.5.

Snowpack Summary

Windslab development has been widespread since Monday, and these are reactive to human triggering. In some areas, the Jan 24 surface hoar or crust is 25 to 35 cm down at treeline and below. Starting Wednesday afternoon, the snowpack's stability will deteriorate rapidly as the storm arrives and an avalanche cycle begins.

Weather Summary

The weather begins to change on Wednesday as a strong westerly flow establishes itself, and by Thursday, we expect a significant storm to be upon us. This setup is the classic westerly flow collision with cold arctic air to the east. Some forecasts are calling for 35-40 cm of snow by Friday, along with winds exceeding 80 km/h. If this unfolds, we can certainly expect to see an avalanche cycle.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be careful as you transition into wind-affected 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.