Avalanche Danger Rating is High in the Rockies
Avalanche Canada says to "avoid all avalanche terrain"
Avalanche danger in the Canadian Rockies is currently rated High, which means both natural and human-triggered avalanches are likely, and that conditions are unstable across much of the mountain terrain. It’s best to avoid ice climbs and ski objectives found where avalanches can happen.
“Avoid all avalanche terrain,” Avalanche Canada stated on Dec. 17. “A storm pushing through Tuesday night and Wednesday morning will bring heavy snow and strong winds, which will overload the snowpack.” Under this level of hazard, it’s best to avoid all avalanche terrain, slopes where avalanches can start, run, or stop, because even experienced backcountry travellers can be caught off guard.
Under High danger conditions, snowpacks are frequently unstable due to recent snowfall, wind loading, or rapid weather changes, like warm temperatures or rain. This instability means a climber or skier can trigger an avalanche even when the slope doesn’t show obvious signs of danger. Avalanches can release naturally or be triggered remotely, meaning a slide can start a long distance from where you’re standing.
And avalanche terrain isn’t just steep, open slopes, it also includes areas above cliffs, gullies, or below slopes where debris can run out and bury someone. Even “simple” terrain becomes risky because snow instability can extend beyond obvious paths.
Given these conditions, the safest choice is to postpone backcountry travel until the avalanche danger drops to Moderate or Considerable, when risks are lower (but still present) and travel decisions can be made more confidently.
If you do decide to go out, for whatever reason, be sure to check the forecast at avalanche.ca, carry proper rescue gear (transceiver, shovel, probe), and have training in avalanche safety. Of course, the best decision during a High hazard period is to avoid the backcountry entirely.
