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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 31st, 2026–Feb 1st, 2026

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

Regions

Esplanade, Dogtooth, East Purcell.

Carefully assess for wind slabs before committing to a slope.

Wind slabs may stay unstable longer than expected due to a weak layer and a crust underneath.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain due to the variability of wind effect on the snowpack.

Avalanche Summary

On Friday, dry loose and storm slab avalanches (up to size 2) were reported in steep, north-facing terrain. These avalanches were triggered naturally and by skiers throughout the region.

If you are heading into the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

10 to 20 cm of snow now overlies the late January surface hoar/crust layer. This snow has been accompanied by strong south and west wind, meaning that the crust is still on the surface on southerly aspects and deeper deposits will be found on north and east aspects.

The late January surface hoar layer is widespread up to 2100 meters on sheltered treeline and below treeline features. It may not exist on exposed terrain in the alpine.

The snow surface could be moist or refrozen on steep south aspects due to solar input.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.

Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 2 to 4 cm of snow at treeline. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.

Monday
Mostly cloudy. 2 to 4 cm of snow at treeline. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.

Tuesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.

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.
  • Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
  • Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for slabs before you commit to it.

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.