Avalanche forecast

Sugarbowl

Feb 3 – 4, 2026Avalanche Canada
View on map
Archived · expired 8 months ago

Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
Open full map

Highlights

Storm snow continues to build over a weak layer.

Be extra cautious in sheltered areas where surface hoar is likely to be preserved.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Continued moderate south-southwest winds are building wind slabs from the storm snow.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely - Very Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Up to 50 cm of new storm snow has formed a reactive slab over a widespread crust. 
    In sheltered treeline and below treeline features where surface hoar is present, the storm slab will be touchier and remote triggering is possible.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain due to variable freezing levels.
  • We are uncertain about forecast precipitation amounts.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported in the past week however, observations have been limited.

New snow accumulating over the surface hoar is expected to have triggered a cycle of natural and human-triggered avalanches recently.

Please share observations like avalanches, weather, and riding conditions to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

30-50 cm of new snow at treeline sits on surface hoar over a widespread crust. With warm temperatures throughout the storm, this likely fell as rain as high as 1600 m in some areas of the region.

This new snow was accompanied by moderate to strong southwest winds, meaning that the crust has likely remained on the surface of southerly aspects, while deeper deposits will be found on north and east aspects. The surface hoar is largest on sheltered treeline and below-treeline features.

The lower snowpack is well settled.

Check out this MIN from the Pine Pass for more details.

Weather Summary

Monday Night
Cloudy. 1 to 5 cm of snow. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.

Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 3 to 5 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 25 mm of rain. 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 2 °C. Freezing level 2200 m.

Thursday
A mix of sun and clouds. 10 to 15 mm of rain. 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 2200.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be aware of the potential for remote triggering and large avalanches due to buried surface hoar.
  • Use conservative route selection. Choose simple, low angle terrain with no overhead hazard.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.

Regions covered