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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 30th, 2026–Jan 31st, 2026

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Esplanade, Dogtooth, East Purcell.

Assess surface conditions before committing to steep terrain.

If the snow feels "slabby" wind slab avalanches are possible, if it feels unconsolidated dry loose avalanches are possible.

Confidence

High

  • We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast.

Avalanche Summary

Over the past 4 days numerous dry loose avalanches up to size 2 were reported in steep, north facing terrain. These avalanches were triggered naturally and by skiers.

A few natural cornice falls have also been observed.

Snowpack Summary

By Saturday morning 10 to 20 cm of snow could overlie the late January surface hoar/crust layer. This snow has been accompanied by strong south and west wind, meaning that the crust is still on the surface on southerly aspects and deeper deposits will be found on north and east aspects

The late January surface hoar is largest on sheltered treeline and below treeline features and may not exist on exposed terrain in the alpine.

The snow surface could become moist on south aspects with solar input.

Two notable buried layers persist, but are not currently a concern:

  • A layer of surface hoar/sun crust from early January is buried 30 to 60 cm deep

  • A crust with facets can be found at the base of the snowpack in shallow areas

Weather Summary

Friday Night
Mostly cloudy. 2 to 3 cm of snow. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Saturday
Mix of sun and clouds. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 3 to 5 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.

Monday
Mix of sun and clouds. 2 to 4 cm of snow. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Wind slabs are isolated, but may remain reactive.
  • Loose avalanches may start small, but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.
  • Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Loose Dry

Loose Dry avalanches are the release of dry unconsolidated snow and typically occur within layers of soft snow near the surface of the snowpack. These avalanches start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-dry avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs.