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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 16th, 2026–Feb 17th, 2026

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

Regions

Sugarbowl, McGregor, Pine Pass.

Wind slabs may have built up on unusual aspects due to strong, variable winds.

Use extra caution if entering wind-affected terrain.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast.
  • We are uncertain due to a limited number of field observations.

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday, a small size 1 wind slab was naturally triggered on a northwest-facing slope just below ridge top in the McGregors.

On Thursday, a natural avalanche cycle occurred in the Pine Pass and Hasler areas up to size 2. These slabs and cornice failures generally occurred on lee slopes, at or just below ridgetops. (See photos below. )

If you’re heading out, please consider sharing details about what you see on the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Around 5 to 15 cm of recent snow is sitting on 40 to 60 cm of older settling storm snow that accumulated last week. All this is resting on a thick melt-freeze crust. In isolated, sheltered areas, a layer of surface hoar may exist on that crust.

Strong northeasterly ridgetop winds may be blowing the recent snow into atypical south through westerly areas.

A layer of surface hoar/facets/crust, is buried 80 to 100+ cm. Triggering this layer is considered unlikely at this time.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Mostly cloudy. 0 to 5 cm of snow. 60 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -20 °C.

Tuesday

Mix of sun and clouds. 30 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -24 °C.

Wednesday

Mix of sun and clouds. 30 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -25 °C.

Thursday

Sunny. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -21 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Recent wind has varied in direction, so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.

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.