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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 25th, 2026–Feb 26th, 2026

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Alpine
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Treeline
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Below Treeline
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Alpine
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Treeline
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Below Treeline
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.

Regions

Little Yoho, Kootenay.

Two important headlines:
1) The surface hoar problem has become very significant in Kootenay and probably in Yoho too. Avoid steep terrain at and below treeline.
2) A significant storm is coming, resulting in increased hazard on Thursday and Friday. Conservative terrain choices are required.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain due to the timing, track, and intensity of the incoming weather system.

Avalanche Summary

No recent reports from this area.

At lower elevations, we continue to receive reports of increased reactivity of the surface hoar problem. This is very significant and getting worse. On Tuesday, our field team observed a size 2 avalanche in the Simpson area that ran 300 m through thick forest. Over the past week, there have been several skier-triggered avalanches on this problem to size 1.5.

Snowpack Summary

Forecasted wind and new snow on Thursday and Friday will create fresh wind slabs and storm slabs at all elevations. The Jan 24 layer (surface hoar/crust) is down 30-40 cm at treeline and has been super touchy in Yoho and Kootenay. With the additional load of the forecasted snow, we are expecting to see a natural cycle on this layer. Starting Thursday afternoon, the snowpack's stability will deteriorate rapidly as the storm arrives.

Weather Summary

A significant storm is expected to hit the forecast region starting on Thursday and cresting Thursday night and Friday. Forecast amounts vary, but amounts could be in the range of 25-35 in the north regions and 15-20 in the southern regions. The one factor that is consistent is the wind. Forecasted winds for all regions is strong from the west. With the forecasted wind and snow we expect to see an avalanche cycle.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Approach steep and open slopes at and below treeline cautiously, as buried surface hoar may exist.
  • Be aware of the potential for remote triggering and large avalanches due to buried surface hoar.

Problems

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.

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.