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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 17th, 2026–Feb 18th, 2026

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

Regions

Yukon, Tutshi, Wheaton, White Pass East, White Pass West.

Carefully assess any leeward or cross-loaded slope for reactive wind slabs.

Confidence

Moderate

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

Avalanche Summary

A widespread avalanche cycle was observed on Monday, driven by strong northeast winds and producing wind slab avalanches up to size 2.5 in leeward and cross-loaded terrain.

Natural wind slab activity is expected to decrease significantly, as little dry snow remains available for wind transport in windward terrain.

Observations are limited, so be sure to post yours to the MIN if you get out!

Snowpack Summary

Ongoing strong northeast winds have dramatically reshaped the snow surface. Firm, wind-scoured conditions exist in windward terrain, while deep wind-loaded deposits are found in leeward terrain.

The January 26 crust is buried roughly 50 to 100 cm deep. Surface hoar may persist above this layer on north through east, wind-sheltered slopes. The overlying snow is generally well settled and thick, making human triggering unlikely.

Weak facets or depth hoar exist at the bottom of the snowpack. And could be a concern in shallow areas.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night
Clear skies. 40 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -25 °C.

Wednesday
Sunny. 30 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -20 °C.

Thursday
Mix of sun and clouds. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.

Friday
Mostly cloudy. Trace amounts of snow. 30 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
  • Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
  • Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.

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.