Avalanche forecast

South Coast Inland

Mar 4 – 5, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

We are uncertain about the distribution and reactivity of buried weak layers in the top meter of the snowpack.

Dig down and look. Choose lower-consequence terrain in times of uncertainty.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Recently formed wind slabs are expected to be reactive to rider-triggering.

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Several persistent weak layers of surface hoar, facets or crusts may exist in the top meter of the snowpack. Wind slabs could step down to this layer, causing larger-than-expected avalanches.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are confident that there are persistent slabs in the snowpack, but uncertain about how likely they are to trigger.

Avalanche Summary

On Sunday, numerous natural avalanches up to size 3 were observed on solar aspects with strong sun. Several large (size 2) naturals were observed from wind-loaded alpine terrain.

In the past week, numerous skier-triggered persistent slab avalanches have occurred up to size 2. Many of these avalanches happened on polar aspects at treeline and below.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 20 cm of new snow has fallen at upper elevations in the past 24 hours. Strong southerly winds will have redistributed this snow into deeper deposits in wind-loaded areas. This new snow overlies a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects and lower elevations, and wind-affected surfaces at higher elevations.

A couple of persistent weak layers buried in the last week may exist in the upper 30 to 60 cm of the snowpack. These consist of surface hoar, facets and crusts.

Buried around 60 to 100 cm is a prominent, persistent weak layer of facets and crust from early February.

The remaining snowpack appears to be strong and well-bonded.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Mostly cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 30 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy. 1 to 3 cm of snow. 20 to 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Thursday

Mix of sun and clouds. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Friday

Mostly cloudy. 3 to 4 cm of snow. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °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.
  • Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
  • Surface hoar distribution is highly variable. Avoid generalizing your observations.
  • Remote triggering is a concern; avoid terrain where triggering overhead slopes is possible.
  • Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.

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