Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Mar 5 – 6, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Uncertainty remains regarding a layer of facets 40 to 60 cm deep that is reactive at treeline and above. Several avalanches have failed on this layer over the past week.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    20-40cm of recent snow, with sustained and continued moderate to strong winds, has formed widespread slabs at ridgetop and below.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1.5–3.5

    A facet or facet/crust interface 30 to 70 cm down, formed in late January, has been the failure plane for several large avalanches in the region this week. We suspect this is predominantly a problem on south and west aspects, but we have limited information on its spatial distribution.

Confidence

Avalanche Summary

Lake Louise patrol reported triggering some small size 1 wind slabs in alpine lee terrain. Sunshine patrol reported triggering slabs up to size 1.5 on facets (20cm deep, 35m wide). No other avalanche were observed or reported.

Snowpack Summary

A complex snowpack remains in the wake of the recent storm. A common pattern is a 40 to 60 cm slab poorly bonded to facets or a facet crust combination formed on Jan. 24. The distribution of this layer (its location) is difficult to pin down, and for now we are concerned about all steep terrain at treeline and above, especially on SE through W aspects.

Weather Summary

A few cm of new snow overnight Wednesday, totaling less than 5 cm as forecast snowfall was significantly reduced. Winds will be moderate with strong gusts from the west. Temperatures remain seasonal with valley temps near 0°C and ridgetops near −10°C. Strong solar input will quickly moisten snow on solar aspects and low elevations.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Stay off recently wind loaded slopes until they have had a chance to stabilize.
  • Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.

Regions covered