Avalanche forecast

South Coast

Mar 16 – 17, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
4 · High
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Highlights

High avalanche danger. Avoid avalanche terrain and exposure to overhead hazards like cornices and runout zones.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Expect wet loose avalanches to be reactive where precipitation falls as rain.

  • Wet Slabs

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

    High freezing levels and rain have created wet slabs that will remain reactive for the forecast period.

Confidence

High

  • We are confident the snowpack will rapidly weaken with the forecast weather.
  • We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast.

Avalanche Summary

A few natural storm slabs were reported on Sunday.

Expect widespread natural avalanche activity to continue.

Snowpack Summary

40 to 70 mm of precipitation will fall by the end of the forecast period. Freezing levels will rise between 1800 and 2500 m. Expect wet, unstable snow in the upper snowpack below these elevations.

A thick, widespread crust, buried in early March, is 30 to 80 cm deep. Below it, the snowpack is generally settled and well-bonded.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Cloudy. 20 to 25 mm of rain at treeline. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 2 °C. Freezing level 1900 m.

Tuesday

Cloudy. 20 to 35 mm of rain at treeline. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 2300 m.

Wednesday

Cloudy. 60 to 70 mm of rain at treeline. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 4 °C. Freezing level 2200 m.

Thursday

Cloudy. 75 to 90 mm of rain at treeline. 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

  • Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy rain.
  • Keep in mind that the high density of wet avalanches can make them destructive.
  • Avoid terrain traps such as gullies and cliffs where the consequence of any avalanche could be serious.
  • Loose avalanches may start small, but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.

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