Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 16th, 2026–Feb 16th, 2026

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

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 possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

Kananaskis, Bow Valley, Highwood Pass, North 40, Spray - KLakes.

A storm is on the way, YES! If we receive more than forecasted, the danger rating will be elevated. Monitor the weather stations and the snow amounts and choose objectives carefully.

Confidence

Moderate

We are uncertain due to the track and intensity of the incoming weather system.

Avalanche Summary

No slabs were seen today, but there was evidence of mid storm loose dry avalanches today in steeper alpine terrain.

Snowpack Summary

Saturday evenings convective system produced up to 40 cm area dependant. This has been blown around by moderate West winds at ridge top, creating fresh wind slabs in lee terrain. The wind effect has slowly crept in to open treeline zone. This snow sits on top of various old surfaces, the bond will be worth investigating before jumping in to consequential terrain. Overall the snowpack below the new snow is progressively dense and overall strong. previous problems in the snowpack such as the Jan surface hoar layer should be dug to and see if it exists where you choose to ski.

Weather Summary

Monday afternoon through the evening a cold front will move through the region with snow, approx amounts in the 15cm range by end of day Tuesday. Temps will be slightly cooling to -11 with Northeast winds 30km/h at ridge top.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Be careful with sluffing in steep terrain, especially above cliffs and terrain traps.
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.