Residents in Canmore, Alberta, are being urged to prepare for hazardous travel conditions as a slow-moving storm system from the Prairies shifts westward, bringing the threat of snowsqualls to the region starting late Thursday and continuing into Friday.
According to The Weather Network, the approaching system could drop between 5 and 15 centimetres of snow in localized areas. While exact locations for the heavy snowfall remain difficult to predict, temperatures in southern Alberta may drop by nearly 20 degrees Celsius as colder air moves into the area.
Road conditions have already become a concern for local authorities. The Canmore RCMP have reported responding to several vehicle collisions on Highway 1 west of Calgary, noting that poor conditions have caused vehicles to slide off the road and into ditches.
In addition to the stormy weather, Parks Canada and Avalanche Canada have issued warnings for extreme avalanche danger, rated at Level 5, across Banff, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks. Multiple natural avalanches have already been observed reaching valley bottoms. As a result, several highways, including Highways 93 North and 93 South, are closed for avalanche control work. Officials are advising residents to avoid backcountry travel and to stay updated on the latest conditions.
As of 1:44 PM on April 23, 2026, the temperature in Canmore was -5°C with a wind chill making it feel like -10°C under overcast skies. Environment Canada continues to monitor the atmospheric conditions as the storm progresses.
