Avalanche forecast

North Columbia

Feb 6 – 7, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Warm temperatures are forming cohesive slabs over a widespread weak layer, which may be triggered by people.
During times of uncertainty, stick to conservative terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    Avalanche activity on this surface hoar/facet/crust has been prevalent this week, including some remote triggering. As the freezing levels rise, expect hazard to increase when the snow is warmed for the first time.

  • Loose Wet

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

    High freezing levels and sunshine may cause surface snow to lose cohesion and produce wet avalanches in steep terrain features.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain due to how buried persistent weak layers will react with the forecast weather.
  • We are uncertain due to the timing or intensity of warming will affect the snowpack.

Avalanche Summary

Wednesday saw a widespread natural persistent slab avalanche cycle up to size 2.5. A few cornice falls (size 2) were also reported.

Avalanche danger continues on Friday due to warming temperatures and sun exposure.

Snowpack Summary

A melt-freeze crust may be present up to mountain top, but it will likely soften through the day with warm temperatures and sunshine. Below this, 30 to 45 cm of dry, settling snow sits above a persistent weak crust/ surface hoar and facet layer that was buried in late January. This layer continues to be reactive across the region.

The mid and lower snowpack is well settled.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night
Clear skies. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 4 °C. Freezing level 3200 m.

Friday
Sunny. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 2700 m.

Saturday
Mix of sun and clouds. 2 to 10 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Sunday
Mix of sun and clouds. 2 to 20 cm of snow. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.


More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • The more the snowpack warms up and weakens, the more conservative your terrain selection should be.
  • Stay away from steep slopes, open slopes, and convex rolls at and below treeline where weak layers may be preserved.
  • A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
  • Avoid travelling on slopes below cornices.

Regions covered