Avalanche forecast

Kootenay Boundary

Mar 1 – 2, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Large, persistent slab avalanches have been rider-triggered or failed naturally almost every day this week - many occurring in steep treed areas.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Recent wind slab formation has been extensive, and stubborn slabs could extend into openings below treeline.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2–3

    Be aware of the potential for remote-triggering and large avalanches due to buried surface hoar, especially at treeline and below.

  • Loose Wet

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

    Wet avalanches are expected with direct sun and rising freezing levels.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We have higher uncertainty about treeline conditions due to persistent slabs.

Avalanche Summary

We are aware of an emerging avalanche incident at Kootenay Pass. Further details are not yet available, but will be provided when possible.

On Friday, natural, remote, and rider-triggered avalanches up to size 3 were reported. MIN reports captured cracking, whumpfing, and remote-triggered avalanches from 50 m away.

Almost daily, large, persistent avalanches have been triggered or failed naturally; many reported near steep treed areas. See Feb 24 MIN and Feb 21 MIN

Snowpack Summary

Widespread wind effect has impacted 20 to 30 cm of recent snow, leaving a variety of pressed surfaces into open treeline areas. A sun crust covers steep solar slopes, and moist surfaces are expected with daytime heating.

In the top 100 cm of the snowpack, there are multiple concerning weak layers of surface hoar and/or crusts/facets. The majority of recent persistent slab avalanches have been on well-preserved surface hoar in sheltered areas at treeline and below.

The mid and lower snowpack are well settled.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Clear skies. 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Sunday

Sunny. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.

Monday

Sunny. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.

Tuesday

Mix of sun and clouds. 3 to 10 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • In times of uncertainty, conservative terrain choices are our best defense.
  • Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, or recent avalanches.
  • Be aware of the potential for remote triggering and large avalanches due to buried surface hoar.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.

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