Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 8th, 2026–Mar 9th, 2026

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

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, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

South Coast Inland, Birkenhead, Duffey, South Chilcotin, Stein, Taseko.

Wind slabs remain possible following recent snow, wind, and cooling temperatures.

Significant uncertainty remains about how recent rapid weather changes have affected the snowpack.

Confidence

Moderate

We are confident that there are persistent slabs in the snowpack, but uncertain about how likely they are to trigger.
We are uncertain due to the variability of wind effect on the snowpack.

Avalanche Summary

While there were reports of loose wet avalanche activity on Saturday, we do not suspect these types of avalanches to continue with much colder temperatures going forward.

Snowpack Summary

Roughly 5 to 15 cm of snow fell on Saturday at higher elevations, accompanied by strong southwesterly winds. This snow has likely buried a recently formed crust at all but the highest elevations. At lower elevations, Saturday’s storm began as rain before turning to snow, leaving a dusting of snow over crusty or moist surfaces.

Variable weak layers buried throughout February may persist roughly 30 to 100 cm below the surface. These layers consist of surface hoar, facets, and/or crusts. We hope to gain more clarity on their current reactivity following the recent warm temperatures, which may have helped stabilize them.

The remaining snowpack appears to be strong and well-bonded.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night
Partly cloudy. 1 to 2 cm of snow. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Monday
Mix of sun and clouds. 2 to 10 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

Tuesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 4 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

Wednesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 3 to 5 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.

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.

Persistent Slabs

Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) in the middle to upper snowpack, when the bond to an underlying persistent weak layer breaks. Persistent layers include: surface hoar, depth hoar, near-surface facets, or faceted snow. Persistent weak layers can continue to produce avalanches for days, weeks or even months, making them especially dangerous and tricky. As additional snow and wind events build a thicker slab on top of the persistent weak layer, this avalanche problem may develop into a Deep Persistent Slab.