Avalanche forecast

South Coast Inland

Mar 21 – 22, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Danger is elevated where recent wind has formed large slabs and cornices. Use caution as you travel to higher elevations.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Recent heavy snowfall and strong wind have formed large wind slabs at upper elevations, with uncertainty about how easily they may be triggered.

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–2.5

    Large cornices have formed and may become especially sensitive with sun exposure.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain about how quickly the snowpack will recover and gain strength.

Avalanche Summary

A widespread avalanche cycle occurred over several days during the recent atmospheric river, producing many wet slab and loose avalanches up to size 3, some stepping down to deeper weak layers.

With cooler temperatures, the main concern has shifted to lingering wind slabs and cornices in the alpine and along treeline ridges.

Snowpack Summary

Above 1800 m, 10 to 40 cm of dry snow overlies a moist snow that is now refreezing, with deeper wind deposits in exposed terrain.

Below 1800 m, a surface crust has formed.

Deeper in the snowpack, older weak layers around 100 cm deep were active during the recent cycle but are now unlikely to be a concern as the snowpack refreezes and strengthens.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Mostly cloudy. 1 to 5 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Sunday

Mix of sun and clouds. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Monday

Mostly sunny. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
  • Limit exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.

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