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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 31st, 2026–Feb 1st, 2026

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

Sea To Sky, South Coast Inland, Brandywine, Garibaldi, Homathko, Spearhead, Tantalus, Birkenhead.

Storm slabs are sitting on a persistent weak layer that could produce surprisingly large avalanches.

Choose simple, low angle terrain with no overhead hazard.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain due to how buried persistent weak layers will react with the forecast weather.
  • We are uncertain about forecast snowfall amounts.

Avalanche Summary

On Friday, numerous skier triggered storm slabs up to size 2 were reported in areas that have received more than 30 cm of recent snow.

The avalanches occurred at treeline and above on all aspects. The crown depths were generally 20 to 30 cm.

Snowpack Summary

20 to 40 cm of recent snow and extreme southerly wind have formed reactive storm slabs overlying persistent weak layers.

At treeline and above, this layer is primarily a hard crust with weak facets above and/or below.

In sheltered treeline locations and below, this layer may be a combination of hard crust and/or surface hoar.

Cornices are reported to be large and looming. Be mindful of them overhead or when travelling on ridge tops.

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

Weather Summary

Saturday Night
Cloudy. 15 to 25 cm of snow above 1400 m (rain below). 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.

Sunday
Cloudy. 15 to 25 cm of snow above 1200 m (rain below). 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Monday
Cloudy. 15 to 25 cm of snow above 1400 m (rain below). 60 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.

Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 4 °C. Freezing level 2300 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Use conservative route selection. Choose simple, low angle terrain with no overhead hazard.
  • Be aware of the potential for larger than expected storm slabs due to buried surface hoar.
  • Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, or recent avalanches.
  • Use small, low consequence slopes to test the bond of the new snow.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-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.

Loose Wet

Loose Wet avalanches are the release of wet unconsolidated snow or slush. These avalanches typically occur within layers of wet snow near the surface of the snowpack, but they may quickly gouge into lower snowpack layers. Like Loose Dry Avalanches, they start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-wet avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs. Loose Wet avalanches can trigger slab avalanches that break into deeper snow layers.