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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 20th, 2026–Mar 21st, 2026

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

Regions

North Columbia, South Columbia, Clemina, Esplanade, Jordan, North Monashee, North Selkirk, Dogtooth, West Purcell, Badshot-Battle, Central Selkirk, Goat, Gold, Whatshan.

We are unsure how long the snowpack will take to recover from the recent atmospheric river event and extra caution is still recommeneded. Check out our new conditions video for more details.

Confidence

Moderate

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

Avalanche Summary

On Monday, a natural storm slab avalanche cycle began, and it has continued into Friday. Avalanches occurred on all aspects and elevations, and were a mix of slab and loose, wet and dry. Most of the avalanches that were reported were around size 2.5, but avalanches up to size 4 have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

As temperatures drop on Saturday, a widespread melt-freeze crust is expected to form on the snow surface everywhere except the high alpine. Prior to this, 40 to 70 cm of settling storm snow has been redistributed into deep deposits on north and east aspects on the highest peaks. Ongoing rain had saturated the upper snowpack at and below treeline. Moist surface snow was reported to near mountain tops in most places.

A thick crust buried earlier in March can be found down 70 to 120 cm at treeline and below.

Three concerning weak layers of surface hoar, facets and/or crust that formed in January and February are found down 100 to 250 cm deep.

The lower snowpack is well settled and bonded.

Weather Summary

Friday Night
Mostly cloudy. 2 to 5 cm of snow. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.

Saturday
Mix of sun and clouds. 2 to 3 cm of snow. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Sunday
Mix of sun and clouds. 2 to 4 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Monday
Mostly sunny. 1 to 2 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.

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.
  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
  • Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-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.

Persistent Slabs

Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) in the middle to upper snowpack, when the bond to an underlying persistent weak layer breaks. Persistent layers include: surface hoar, depth hoar, near-surface facets, or faceted snow. Persistent weak layers can continue to produce avalanches for days, weeks or even months, making them especially dangerous and tricky. As additional snow and wind events build a thicker slab on top of the persistent weak layer, this avalanche problem may develop into a Deep Persistent Slab.