Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 2nd, 2026–Feb 3rd, 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, human triggered possible.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

Jasper, Brazeau, Churchill, Cirrus-Wilson, Fryatt, Icefields, Maligne, Marmot, Miette Lake, Pyramid.

Rising freezing levels may be problematic for ice climbs in direct sun or with a lingering snowpack overhead. Wind slabs are developing above treeline, with most new precip and transport observed in the Icefields.

Confidence

Moderate

We are uncertain due to rapidly changing freezing levels.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed or reported in the region.

Snowpack Summary

High freezing levels throughout the region support the development of a new surface crust, especially below treeline (up to 2200m). A weak layer of surface hoar and facets is down ~10cm, which is most problematic in areas with wind loading.

In open areas, recent winds have redistributed the new snow into windslabs. The midpack is still supportive, but a weaker, faceted layer lingers above the ground, creating a deep, persistent slab.

Weather Summary

Overnight: Clear with cloudy periods. Low -6 °C. Mostly light ridge wind, gusting to 30 km/h.

Tuesday: A mix of sun and cloud. High -2 °C. Ridge wind light to 15 km/h. Freezing level: 2100 m.

Wednesday: A mix of sun and cloud. Low -4 °C, High -1 °C. Ridge wind light to 20 km/h. Freezing level: 2900 m

Thursday: Sunny. Low -2 °C, High 0 °C. Ridge wind light to 15 km/h. Freezing level: 2700 m

Terrain and Travel Advice

Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.
Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.

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.