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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 23rd, 2026–Feb 24th, 2026

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

Regions

Little Yoho, Kootenay.

The winds have arrived, contributing to windslab development and cornice growth at upper elevations. In addition, at lower elevations, the Jan surface hoar is becoming increasingly reactive as the load builds. Being mindful of what is both underfoot and overhead while traveling through elevation bands will be key this week.

Confidence

Avalanche Summary

Reports of a wind-initiated natural avalanche cycle to size 2 at upper elevations was noted on Monday.

At lower elevations, we continue to receive reports of increased reactivity of the surface hoar problem. Monday, a field team reported widespread whumphing and cracking on this problem. Over the past week, there have been several skier-triggered avalanches on this problem to size 1.5.

Snowpack Summary

New wind slab development is expected at treeline and above as Moderate to strong South and West winds redistribute 25 to 30cm of surface snow onto lee slopes.

The Jan 24 layer (surface hoar/crust) is down 30-40 cm at treeline and has been reactive in some areas in Yoho and Kootenay – Dig down and check for this layer before committing to steep terrain

Weather Summary

Snow will taper Monday evening as a brief clearing trend moves in Tuesday. This will be short-lived, as another frontal system will move into the region Wednesday, bringing more precipitation. At the moment, there is a large discrepancy in forecasted snowfall amounts, ranging from 5 to 30 cm by Thursday afternoon. Winds will remain elevated through this period, and temperatures will hold near -7°C at 2000m.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Approach steep and open slopes at and below treeline cautiously, as buried surface hoar may exist.

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.

Persistent Slabs

Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) in the middle to upper snowpack, when the bond to an underlying persistent weak layer breaks. Persistent layers include: surface hoar, depth hoar, near-surface facets, or faceted snow. Persistent weak layers can continue to produce avalanches for days, weeks or even months, making them especially dangerous and tricky. As additional snow and wind events build a thicker slab on top of the persistent weak layer, this avalanche problem may develop into a Deep Persistent Slab.