Avalanche forecast

South Coast

Jan 30 – 31, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

Highlights

Expect storm slabs to be much more reactive at upper elevations where the snow remains dry.

Use conservative route selection. Choose simple, low angle terrain with no overhead hazard.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    20 to 30 cm of forecast snow above 1300 m and strong south wind will form reactive storm slabs at upper elevations on Friday.

  • Loose Wet

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

    Expect rain on dry snow to trigger wet loose avalanches.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain due to variable freezing levels.

Avalanche Summary

Large, natural avalanches are expected to occur in the alpine on Friday.

Wet loose avalanches may occur at treeline and below.

Snowpack Summary

20 to 30 cm of forecast snow above 1300 m and strong south wind will form reactive storm slabs at upper elevations on Friday.

The recent snow overlies a hard crust in most locations.

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

Snowpack depth ranges between 70 to 175 cm at treeline elevations.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night
Cloudy. 30 to 50 cm above 1600 m (rain below). 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 2 °C. Freezing level 1900 m.

Friday
Cloudy. 20 to 30 cm of snow above 1600 m (rain below). 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.

Saturday
Mostly cloudy. 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 6 °C. Freezing level 2700 m.

Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 20 to 30 cm of snow above 1500 m (rain below). 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.
  • Use conservative route selection. Choose simple, low angle terrain with no overhead hazard.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with aspect and elevation.
  • Use small, low consequence slopes to test the bond of the new snow.

Regions covered