Avalanche forecast

Sea To Sky

Mar 2 – 3, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

We are uncertain in the distribution of buried weak layers in the upper meter of the snowpack.

Dig down and look. Choose lower-consequence terrain in times of uncertainty.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slabs are likely healing with recent warm temperatures, but could still be triggered in isolated areas with strong sun or large loads (like cornices).

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1.5–3

    Weak layers of surface hoar and facets/crust could exist in the top meter. These layers have been found recently near the Sea to Sky Gondola. The distribution seems spotty- dig down and look- large consequential avalanches are possible!

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Sun and warm temperatures may melt the surface snow on steep sun affected slopes, creating the potential for wet loose sluffs. Use extra caution on sun-exposed slopes, if the snow surface is moist or wet.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain about how quickly persistent slabs are gaining strength.

Avalanche Summary

On Friday, Several natural and one skier-triggered wind slab were observed in north-facing alpine terrain in Brandywine (Read full report here).

On Saturday, two size 2 natural wind slabs were observed from northeast alpine terrain in the Tantalus range. Explosive control near Whistler produced cornices up to size 2.5 that didn't pull slabs on the slope below.

Snowpack Summary

Strong to extreme southwesterly winds have created widespread wind effect and built wind slabs on lee slopes.

A melt-freeze crust may be found on sunny slopes and at lower elevations. This surface crust will likely soften with sun and daytime warming.

40 to 70 cm of storm snow from the past week may be sitting on a layer of surface hoar, facets or a crust.

Another weak layer consisting of a crust with facets from early February is buried 80 to 100+ cm deep.

In general, these layers seem less reactive in the Whistler/Blackcomb backcountry compared to other areas.

The remaining snowpack appears to be well settled and bonded.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Clear skies. 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 4 °C. Freezing level 2400 m.

Monday

Sunny. 15 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 2 °C. Freezing level 1900 m.

Tuesday

Cloudy. 5 to 15 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 30 to 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy. 1 to 10 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.



More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
  • Surface hoar distribution is highly variable. Avoid generalizing your observations.
  • Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.
  • Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.

Regions covered