Avalanche forecast

Little Yoho

Mar 7 – 8, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Remain skeptical and curious about the persistent weak layer, which is deep enough to cause large avalanches if triggered. This will be a layer of concern for a while yet.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Recent strong winds from the W/SW have redistributed surface snow into lee pockets in the alpine. Use caution when transitioning into this type of terrain.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    A 40-80 cm slab sits over the Jan. 24th surface hoar layer on shady aspects, and crust/ facets on southerly slopes up into the alpine. The surface hoar has been most reactive in Yoho and Kootenay between 1600-2200m. We expect this to persist for the next while.

Confidence

Moderate

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

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported in past 48 hours.

Snowpack Summary

25-50 storm snow (from Feb 27) has been redistributed by strong SW/W winds, resulting in widespread scouring and some windslabs in the alpine. The Jan 24 persistent layer (surface hoar/crust/facet) is down 40-80 cm and producing variable results in the mod to hard range. This layer is most prominent and reactive at treeline and below, but concern for southerly aspects in the alpine also exists. We expect this problem to exist for the foreseeable future.

Weather Summary

Saturday: Cloudy with light flurries. Winds strong from the west. Freezing Levels near 2300m

Sunday: 10-20 cm of snow forecast by end of day Sunday. Strong winds from the West. Freezing levels near 2100m.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be aware of the potential for remote triggering and large avalanches due to buried surface hoar.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.

Regions covered