Avalanche forecast

Northwest Inland

Mar 22 – 23, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Recent snow and strong southwest winds have formed wind slabs at treeline and above.

Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    10 to 20 cm of recent snow and strong southwest winds have formed wind slabs at treeline and above.

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1.5–3

    Cornices are large, looming, and may trigger large persistent slabs on slopes below.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3.5

    Persistent weak layers of crusts/facets or surface hoar in the top 200 cm of the snowpack may be possible to trigger where there is not a thick crust under the recent snow.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain about alpine conditions due to limited field observations.

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday, a few skier triggered size 1 wind slabs were reported on a variety of aspects at treeline.

Observations in this region are very limited. If you head out into the backcountry, let us know what you're seeing by submitting a MIN report.

Snowpack Summary

Cornices are large and looming. Avoid traveling underneath them.

10 to 20 cm of recent snow and strong southwest winds have formed wind slabs at treeline and above. Below the recent snow are a variety of surfaces, including small surface hoar, facets, crusts, and wind scoured snow.

There are multiple persistent weak layers consisting of crust/facets or surface hoar in the top 200 cm of the snowpack.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 15 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Monday
Mix of sun and clouds. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.

Tuesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 0 to 5 cm of snow. 30 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 0 to 5 cm of snow. 40 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -11 °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.
  • Cornice failures could trigger large and destructive avalanches.
  • Be aware of the potential for larger than expected storm slabs due to buried surface hoar.
  • Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind-loaded snow.

Regions covered