Avalanche forecast

Northwest Coastal

Feb 17 – 18, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

Watch for wind slab development on all aspects.

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 1 were reported on western aspects at treeline by operators on Sunday.

Snowpack Summary

Approximately 80 to 120 cm of snow fell earlier this week, with strong winds redistributing snow and forming wind slabs at treeline and above. Sheltered areas are still holding non-wind affected snow.

A crust that formed on January 26, with possible surface hoar or faceted snow above or below it, is now buried 100-180 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

Monday Night
Partly cloudy. 30 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -14 °C.

Tuesday
Sunny. 20 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -19 °C.

Wednesday
Sunny. 50 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -20 °C.

Thursday
Mostly sunny. 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16 °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