Residents and visitors in Canmore, Alberta, have been facing extreme avalanche conditions following a massive atmospheric river that moved through the region. Between March 19 and March 20, 2026, avalanche danger reached Level 5, the highest possible rating, across all elevation levels in Banff, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks.
This weather event is considered the largest avalanche cycle of the 2025-2026 winter season. According to Parks Canada, the storm brought approximately 110 millimetres of precipitation and up to 80 centimetres of snow, which caused the snowpack to become very unstable. Avalanche Canada and other officials issued widespread warnings as the storm moved through the Rockies.
Parks Canada closed a 100-kilometre section of Highway 93 South on March 18, but the road was able to reopen on March 21. Highway 93 North remained closed through March 22 for cleanup after controlled avalanche bombing triggered a massive size 4 slide at Mount Hector, which covered 250 metres of the road in snow at least six metres deep.
In nearby Kananaskis Country, the avalanche risk was rated as high, with experts warning that slides could travel all the way down to the bottom of the valleys. Officials are asking everyone to stay out of the backcountry entirely until the weather stabilizes and the danger decreases.
