Wind Gusts and Snowfall Prompt Multiple Warnings For Kananaskis and Banff National Park

What’s Happening? Wind and winter storm alerts are expanding across Alberta and the mountain parks this morning. As of 7 AM Monday, Kananaskis remains under a Yellow Wind Warning, while a new Yellow Snowfall Warning has been issued for Yoho and Kootenay National Parks, affecting anyone travelling through the western edge of Banff National Park between Lake Louise and the BC border.

What “Yellow” Actually Means? Environment Canada now colour-codes all weather alerts to show impact level. Yellow is the lowest of the three alert colours and signals hazardous weather that may cause moderate, short-term, and localized impacts. It is the most common alert level, but still one worth paying attention to. In a Yellow Wind Warning, you may see broken tree branches, brief power outages, flying debris, and difficult driving conditions.

The Wind Setup. In Kananaskis, strong west winds will ramp up late Monday afternoon through Monday night, gusting near 100 km/h. Drivers on Highway 40, especially those hauling trailers or driving high-sided vehicles. Outdoor enthusiasts and anyone with loose items outside in or near Kananaskis Village should be ready for sudden, powerful gusts that can move gear or knock things over.

Snowfall Warning. A strong front will bring snow to Yoho and Kootenay National Parks beginning this afternoon, with most of the accumulation expected tonight. Snow will begin this evening, with the highest amounts expected over higher terrain, including parts of Highway 93. Up to 15 cm is forecast in elevated areas, while Field and nearby communities may see 5 to 10 cm, at times mixed with rain. Travellers on the Trans Canada between Lake Louise and Golden should expect periods of reduced visibility and accumulating snow.

What You Should Do. Environment Canada recommends checking updated alerts and reporting severe conditions through ABstorm ([email protected]).