Avalanche forecast

Sea To Sky

Jan 31 – Feb 1, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 8 months ago

Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate

Highlights

20 to 40 cm of snow and extreme southerly wind have formed reactive storm slabs overlying persistent weak layers.

Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazard.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Rain may trigger wet loose avalanches.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–3

    20 to 40 cm of snow and extreme southerly wind have formed reactive storm slabs overlying persistent weak layers.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain due to how buried persistent weak layers will react with the forecast weather.

Avalanche Summary

On Thursday, numerous explosive triggered storm slabs up to size 2 were reported on primarily wind affected slopes in the alpine.

Snowpack Summary

20 to 40 cm of snow and extreme southerly wind have formed reactive storm slabs overlying persistent weak layers.

At treeline and above, this layer is primarily a hard crust with weak facets above and/or below.

In sheltered treeline locations and below, this layer may be a combination of hard crust and/or surface hoar.

Cornices are reported to be large and looming. Be mindful of them overhead or when travelling on ridge tops.

The mid/lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong.

Weather Summary

Friday Night
Mostly cloudy. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.

Saturday
Mostly cloudy. 3 to 5 cm of snow above 1500 m (rain below). 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.

Sunday
Cloudy. 10 to 15 cm of snow above 1400 m (rain below). 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.

Monday
Cloudy. 10 to 15 cm of snow above 1400 m (rain below). 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Use conservative route selection. Choose simple, low angle terrain with no overhead hazard.
  • Be aware of the potential for larger than expected storm slabs due to buried surface hoar.
  • Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, or recent avalanches.
  • Use small, low consequence slopes to test the bond of the new snow.

Regions covered