November 13, 2025
RED FM News Desk
Wild fluctuations in this week’s weather forecast for the Rocky Mountains have prompted Parks Canada to warn travellers about potentially dangerous avalanche conditions.
Temperatures are expected to climb to an unseasonably warm 10 C on Thursday before dropping below freezing overnight. Rain beginning Thursday afternoon is forecast to turn into snow as the cold front moves in.
Environment Canada says Banff and Jasper are unlikely to see significant accumulation at lower elevations, but higher elevations — including the Icefields Parkway between Lake Louise and Jasper — could receive 15 to 30 centimetres of snow.
A snowfall warning is in effect for both Banff and Jasper national parks, with officials cautioning that roads and walkways may become difficult to navigate and visibility could be reduced.
“If you drive Highway 93 later today and into tomorrow, that’s going to impact you,” Global Calgary traffic specialist Leslie Horton said. “Highway 93 could get pretty dicey with the potential for road closures.”
Travellers heading into the mountains are urged to check 511.alberta.ca for the latest road conditions.
Temperatures are expected to hover near freezing on Friday before rising again to around 6 C over the weekend.
Avalanche Canada is also warning backcountry users to be prepared for quickly changing conditions. The combination of heavy snow and sharp temperature swings is expected to increase the avalanche risk.
As of Thursday, avalanche danger in Banff and Jasper national parks ranged from “moderate” to “considerable.” In Glacier National Park in eastern B.C., the danger level is rated “high,” with large areas closed for avalanche control work. Officials are advising people to avoid avalanche terrain as the storm approaches.
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