Avalanche forecast

Glacier

Feb 8 – 9, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Persistent slab are becoming less reactive but the consequence of triggering this layer remains very high.

Conservative terrain choice is the best way to manage the uncertainty surrounding this problem.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Watch for wind slab development near ridgetop and in exposed terrain at upper elevations.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3

    A layer of surface hoar (up to 40mm at tree line & below) is buried 20-60cm deep and sits on a crust. The size and reactivity of this surface hoar layer is extremely variable depending on aspect and elevation.

  • Loose Dry

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

    Expect dry loose avalanche activity on steep slopes and in areas where new snow sits over old crusts.

Confidence

Moderate

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

Avalanche Summary

A solar triggered, natural cycle was observed this week along the highway corridor with avalanches up to size 3.0

Natural avalanche activity has slowed, but human triggering of the January persistent weak layer is still possible. See the MIN in Connaught creek on Tues of a size 1.5 rider remote avalanche, or the aptly titled MIN report of whumping near video peak in Connaught creek from Friday.

Snowpack Summary

New snow on Saturday night will sit over a crust in most areas leading to small, dry loose avalanches in protected areas with wind slabs developing in exposed terrain.

30-60cm beneath the surface is the late Jan weak layer consisting of surface hoar, facets, and a crust. This layer is widespread with largest surface hoar (up to 40mm) in sheltered areas at treeline and below.

The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong.

Weather Summary

Gusts of strong wind overnight with light snow.

Tonight: Flurries, 10cm. Alp low -5°C. Wind SW 30 gusting to 55 km/h. Freezing level (FZL) 1300m.

Sun: Mainly cloudy with sunny periods, isolated flurries. Trace snow. High -5. Light SW wind gusting to 30. FZL 1600m.

Mon Mainly cloudy, isolated flurries. Trace snow. High -7. Wind SW 20-35. FZL 1600m.

Tues Cloudy, scattered flurries, 5 cm. Wind SW 15 gusting 40. FZL 1300m

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Approach steep and open slopes at and below treeline cautiously, as buried surface hoar may exist.
  • Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.
  • Start on smaller terrain features and gather information before committing to bigger terrain.
  • Keep in mind a buried crust offers an excellent bed surface for avalanches.

Regions covered