Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 12th, 2026–Jan 13th, 2026

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

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.

Freezing levels are rising to above ridgetop across the Rockies, with some areas seeing it reach to 3000m by Wednesday. Cool temps are forecasted to return to the region on Thursday.

The Icefields Parkway is closed for avalanche control.
Check Alberta 511 for updates

Confidence

Moderate

Uncertainty is due to the track & intensity of the incoming weather system.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous size 1-2 windslabs were observed in the Parker ridge area on NE aspects at ~2100m. A size 3.5 deep persistent slab, triggered by a large cornice failure, was observed on a NE aspect at 2400m running to below treeline.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack is undergoing a significant transition. Strong winds, warm temperatures, and mixed precipitation have created reactive wind slabs at ridgetop. At treeline and below, the snowpack is becoming saturated, increasing the likelihood of wet slab formation across the region.

In the short term, the midpack may lose structural integrity—particularly in shallow areas (<100 cm)—which may activate the weak basal facet layer.

Weather Summary

Overnight: Flurries, up to 6 cm. Low -2 °C. Light ridge wind. Freezing level: 2400m.

Tuesday: Mainly cloudy with isolated wet flurries. High 2 °C. Light SW winds. Freezing level: 2700m.

Wednesday: A mix of sun and cloud. Low -4 °C, High 5 °C. Ridge wind SW: 15 km/h. Freezing level: 3100m.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Avoid steep, sun-exposed slopes when the air temperature is warm or when solar radiation is strong.
Be mindful that deep instabilities are still present and have produced recent large avalanches.
Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.

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.

Wet Slabs

Wet Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) that is generally moist or wet when the flow of liquid water weakens the bond between the slab and the surface below (snow or ground). They often occur during prolonged warming events and/or rain-on-snow events. Wet Slabs can be very unpredictable and destructive.

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.