BURSTA Pacific weather system is bringing widespread showers and sharply lower snow levels to the Canadian Rockies and the Columbia Mountains this weekend, with the biggest change at higher elevations. In the Kananaskis–Canmore area, the snow level is expected to be around 2,200 metres Friday night, falling to 2,000 metres Saturday morning before rising to 2,400 metres in the afternoon. In Banff National Park along Highway 93 between Lake Louise and Saskatchewan River Crossing, the snow level is forecast to drop to 1,900 metres Friday night and 1,800 metres Saturday.
Farther north on Highway 93 between Jasper and Saskatchewan River Crossing, the colder air reaches considerably lower elevations. The snow level is forecast at 2,100 metres Friday, falling to 1,300 metres before Saturday morning. Saturday is forecast to be partly sunny with a 30 per cent chance of early-morning showers, a snow level near 1,300 metres and a high of 16°C. The lower snow level means that snowfall is possible at substantially lower mountain elevations in the Jasper sector than around Canmore and Banff.
The broader pattern is consistent with an early-season transition toward colder conditions aloft, but these forecasts do not indicate a widespread valley-level snowfall event. The main snow risk is concentrated above roughly 1,300 to 2,400 metres, depending on location and time.
If you have plans to adventure up high this weekend, be sure to bring the appropriate layers and gear. Ice climbing season in the Rockies usually starts around mid-October, which is only about a month away. Be sure to follow Avalanche Canada below for helpful tips and reminders as we head into the snow season.
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