Avalanche forecast

South Rockies

Jan 6 – 7, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Wind slabs remain the primary concern with fresh, loose snow available and continued strong winds at higher elevations.

Weak layers deep in the snowpack persist in shallow areas.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Increasing winds will impact flurries and loose snow at upper elevations.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2–3.5

    A crust with facets deep in the snowpack remains a concern, particularly in areas with a thinner snowpack. While the probability of triggering this layer is low, the consequences could be severe.

Confidence

Moderate

  • Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

Avalanche Summary

On Sunday, skiers witnessed a large natural avalanche near Crowsnest Pass, see the MIN here.

Over the weekend, storm snow was reactive to rider traffic and produced natural avalanches.

Snowpack Summary

10 to 20 cm of new snow covered a variety of older snow surfaces, including surface hoar in terrain sheltered from wind. Expect to find wind-affected snow in exposed terrain at higher elevations.

Approximately 40 to 80 cm of recent snow continues to settle above a melt-freeze crust that is thin or absent in alpine terrain, while thicker and widespread at treeline and below.

Near the bottom of the snowpack, a series of crusts exists with associated faceted snow.

Weather Summary

Monday night

Mostly cloudy. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C. Freezing level 700 m.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy. Up to 5 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C. Freezing level 700 m.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C. Freezing level 600 m.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy. 5 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C. Freezing level 400 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.
  • Avoid thin areas like rocky outcrops where you're most likely to trigger avalanches on deep weak layers.

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