Avalanche forecast

Kootenay Boundary

Mar 26 – 27, 2026Avalanche Canada
View on map
Archived · expired 6 months ago

Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low

Highlights

Wind slabs remain possible to human trigger.

Avoid steep, rocky, and wind affected areas where triggering slabs is most likely.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    10 to 20 cm of recent snow and moderate southwest winds formed wind slabs on lee aspects at upper elevations. These slabs are most likely to be reactive on steep slopes below ridgetops.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1–1.5

    Expect the sun to trigger wet loose avalanches on steep slopes when the recent snow is warmed for the first time.

Confidence

High

  • We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast.

Avalanche Summary

On Wednesday, numerous skier triggered storm slabs up to size 1.5 were reported on primarily north and east aspects at treeline and above.

Last week's rain and warm temperatures triggered a widespread natural slab avalanche cycle up to size 4.

If you are heading into the backcountry, please consider sharing conditions via the MIN.

Snowpack Summary

10 to 20 cm of recent snow and moderate southwest winds formed wind slabs on lee aspects at upper elevations. These slabs are most likely to be reactive on steep slopes below ridgetops.

The recent snow sits on a crust that is 5 to 20 cm thick in most locations. It may become thinner at upper elevations.

The mid and lower snowpack is well settled and strong in most areas.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night
Mostly clear skies. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Friday
Mix of sun and clouds. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Saturday
Sunny. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C.

Sunday
Mix of sun and clouds. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Avoid steep, rocky, and wind-affected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
  • A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.

Regions covered