Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 3rd, 2026–Jan 4th, 2026

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

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

Avalanche danger could be higher than expected if more snow arrives than what is in the forecast. Be alert for localized conditions. Wind slabs are widespread ay upper elevations, but good skiing is found in sheltered areas.

Confidence

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed or report on Saturday.

On Thursday a size 2.5 skier/snowshoer remote avalanche was triggered from 1m away on a NW aspect at treeline on Little Chester peak. This avalanche had wide propagation and appearred to step down to the November crust/ground in a few areas.

Another sz 3 avalanche was reported on Thursday near Burstall Pass that crossed the valley floor burying the commonly travelled trail. Wind loading is the suspected trigger.

Snowpack Summary

A few cm's over the last 2 days has buried the surface hoar up to 2200m. In most open places at Treeline and above, the wind has eliminated this layer of surface hoar. Wind slabs are widespread in the Alpine and open areas at Treeline, averaging 30 to 70cm thick. This surface wind slab is producing a moderate shear on decomposed crystals at Treeline locations in recent days. If you notice a drummy feel to the snowpack, consider the terrain you are connected to, both under your feet and above you. Stiff wind slabs could travel across a feature and create a large avalanche. The November crust still lingers at the base of the snowpack down 170cm or so and is still a concern for triggering from thinner snowpack areas.

Weather Summary

Sunday will bring flurries with accumulations of up to 15cm possible. Temps should be near -4C for a high with continued strong Westerly winds.

https://hpfx.collab.science.gc.ca/~fsg006/productviewer/ab/table/AB_Rockies_Forecast.html

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Keep in mind that human triggering may persist as natural avalanches taper off.
Avoid slopes that sound hollow or drum-like.
Avoid steep terrain, including convex rolls, or areas with a thin, rocky, or variable snowpack.

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.

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.