Avalanche forecast

Little Yoho

Mar 6 – 7, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Remain skeptical and curious about the persistent weak layer, which is deep enough to cause large avalanches if triggered. This will be a layer of concern for a while yet.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Recent strong winds from the W/SW have redistributed surface snow into lee pockets in the alpine. Use caution when transitioning into this type of terrain.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    A 35-50+ cm slab sits over the Jan. 24th surface hoar layer on shady aspects, and crust/ facets on southerly slopes up into the alpine. The surface hoar has been reactive. especially in Yoho and Kootenay between 1600-2200m. We expect this to persist for the next while.

Confidence

Avalanche Summary

Field teams did not observe any new avalanches Thursday. However, conditions haven't changed much this week.

Snowpack Summary

40cm of snow overlies a heavily wind-affected surface at upper elevations. Below this, the Jan. 24 layer (surface hoar/crust/facet) sits 30–50+ cm down at treeline. This layer has been very reactive in Kootenay and Yoho. In the alpine, we suspect this problem is predominantly on southerly aspects as a facet/crust interface. We expect touchy conditions for the foreseeable future.

Weather Summary

Friday: Mix of sun and cloud, with trace amounts of snow. Winds 30-40km/h from the west, and treeline temperatures rising to -3C (1900m freezing level)

Saturday: Strong winds from the West, trace amounts of snow, and freezing levels 2000m rising to 2400m.

Sunday: Strong to extreme winds with snow starting in the afternoon as a system enters our region.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be aware of the potential for remote triggering and large avalanches due to buried surface hoar.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.

Regions covered