Avalanche forecast

Northwest Coastal

Feb 16 – 17, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

Human-triggered avalanches are likely as the new snow settles.

Areas unaffected by wind will offer the best riding quality and the lowest avalanche hazard.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    70 to 120 cm of recent snow has fallen with strong to extreme winds. Watch for reactive wind slabs at treeline and alpine elevations.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1.5–3.5

    A crust with surface hoar or facets overtop is buried at least 100 cm deep and may persist as a problem at treeline and alpine elevations. Storm slabs could step down to this layer, creating larger-than-expected avalanches.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain due to the variability of wind effect on the snowpack.

Avalanche Summary

Wind slab avalanches up to size 2.5 were reported on all aspects at treeline and above throughout the region on Saturday.

Snowpack Summary

Approximately 80 to 120 cm of storm snow has accumulated since early this week, with strong southerly winds redistributing snow throughout the storm.

At treeline and above, recent storm snow overlies either a crust of variable thickness or firm, settled snow. Below treeline, new snow sits on a thin crust, with moist or isothermal snow beneath.

A January 26 crust, with possible surface hoar or faceted snow above or below it, is now buried over 100 cm deep and is likely limited to higher elevations. At lower elevations, it has likely been rain-soaked and destroyed.

The remainder of the mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled with no significant concerns.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night
Mostly cloudy. 1 cm of snow. 30 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.

Monday
Mix of sun and clouds. 50 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

Tuesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 cm of snow. 30 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.

Wednesday
Mostly sunny. 1 cm of snow. 50 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -20 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
  • Avoid freshly wind-loaded terrain features.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction, so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.

Regions covered