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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 17th, 2026–Feb 18th, 2026

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

Regions

Sugarbowl, McGregor, Pine Pass.

Be wary of wind slabs in any steep opening. The wind has changed direction, meaning wind slabs could be found on all aspects.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain due to a limited number of field observations.

Avalanche Summary

We haven't received any reports of avalanches over the past couple days, though reports are limited. The most recent observed avalanche likely released late last week (see photo).

Looking forward, riders could trigger wind slab avalanches on all aspects in wind-exposed terrain features, even into below treeline terrain.

Please share any observations to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Around 50 cm of snow overlies a thick and hard melt-freeze crust from early February. Surface hoar may sit on the crust in shaded treeline terrain features protected from the wind.

Strong wind has shifted from southwest to northeast, meaning that wind slabs may be found on all aspects. Wind slabs may even be found in openings below treeline.

A layer of surface hoar, facets, and/or a melt-freeze crust is buried around 100 cm, and is unlikely to be triggered.

The remainder of the snowpack is consolidated.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy. 20 to 30 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -26 °C.

Wednesday

Mix of sun and clouds. 30 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -25 °C.

Thursday

Sunny. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -20 °C.

Friday

Mostly cloudy. 1 cm of snow. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Recent wind has varied in direction, so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Keep your guard up at all elevations. Wind slab formation has been extensive and could extend into openings below treeline.
  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.

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.