Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 21st, 2026–Jan 22nd, 2026

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

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

The avalanche forecast is trending to LOW at all elevations. The deep persistent problem is one of low propability of triggering but with a very high consequence if it does. Avoid thin or rocky snowpack areas.

Confidence

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been observed or reported in a few days.

Snowpack Summary

Surface hoar continues to grow up to treeline elevation. Most of the terrain at treeline and above consists of a hard surface with either some re-crystalized snow or a thin wind crust on top of it.

The November crust is deeply buried down 120--200cm and is more of a concern in thin/rocky snowpack areas.

Weather Summary

Thursday will bring mainly sunny skies, moderate NW winds and a high temperature of -10c.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Avoid steep terrain that is rocky and thin.
Avoid steep terrain, including convex rolls, or areas with a thin, rocky, or variable snowpack.
Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Deep Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a thick cohesive layer of hard snow (a slab), when the bond breaks between the slab and an underlying persistent weak layer deep in the snowpack. The most common persistent weak layers involved in deep, persistent slabs are depth hoar or facets surrounding a deeply buried crust. Deep Persistent Slabs are typically hard to trigger, are very destructive and dangerous due to the large mass of snow involved, and can persist for months once developed. They are often triggered from areas where the snow is shallow and weak, and are particularly difficult to forecast for and manage.