Avalanche forecast

Northwest Coastal

Jan 4 – 5, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

Watch for signs of wind loading as you move above the trees.

Avoid leeward features, where you might still trigger a slab.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slabs may be triggered in lee areas. Avoid large wind loaded features.

Confidence

High

  • Confidence is due to a stable weather pattern with little change expected.

Avalanche Summary

A small (size 1.5) natural storm slab avalanche was seen on Friday evening north of Stewart

A large avalanche cycle occurred on Tuesday, ending on Wednesday. Numerous large (size 2-3) storm slab avalanches were reported.

Snowpack Summary

Surface hoar crystals continue to grow in sheltered areas, and some sugary facets are forming on the surface too.

Areas exposed to the wind in the alpine and at treeline have been heavily affected. With sastrugi and hard surfaces.

At treeline and below, there is a breakable surface crust.

The mid and lower snowpack is well settled with no layers of concern.

Treeline snow depths throughout the region range from 250 cm to 350 cm.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night
Partly cloudy. Calm wind. Treeline temperature -13 °C.

Sunday
Mix of sun and clouds. 10 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -13 °C.

Monday
Mix of sun and clouds. 10 cm of snow. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -13 °C.

Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 10 to 20 cm of snow. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
  • Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
  • The snowpack is generally stable; it may be appropriate to step out into more complex terrain.

Regions covered