Avalanche forecast

South Coast

Apr 15 – 16, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

Watch for localized danger on sun-exposed and wind-loaded slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Unstable slabs may linger on steep wind-loaded slopes, including the lee sides of ridges and cross-loaded features.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–1.5

    Periods of sun may trigger natural wet loose avalanches on steep slopes.

Confidence

Moderate

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

Avalanche Summary

Tuesday’s storm likely produced some natural avalanches.

Looking forward, this storm snow will be most concerning on wind-loaded features (north and east aspects) and during times of sun-exposure (south and west aspects).

Snowpack Summary

Tuesday’s winter storm delivered about 50 cm to the North Shore, 30 cm in the Coquihalla, and 15 cm in Manning Park.

This snow is expected to stabilize quickly, except on wind-loaded and sun-exposed slopes.

It overlies a mix of crusts and moist or isothermal snow, depending on aspect and elevation.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Mostly clear skies. 1 to 2 cm of snow possible in the Cascades. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Thursday

Mostly sunny with increasing cloud in the afternoon. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1300 m on the coast and 1600 m in the Cascades.

Friday

Mix of sun and clouds. 10 km/h ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.

Saturday

Mix of sun and clouds. 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 2 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Limit exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.
  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Regions covered