Avalanche forecast

South Coast Inland

Feb 16 – 17, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 7 months ago

Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low

Highlights

Pay attention to changing conditions. If the wind increases, expect small but reactive wind slabs to form at ridgecrest.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    If the wind picks up, small but reactive wind slabs may form at ridgecrests in the alpine and treeline.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain whether the wind will be enough to form new wind slabs.

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday, avalanche activity was limited to small (size 1) dry loose avalanches from steep terrain in the alpine and treeline.

Looking forward to Monday, it's possible fresh, reactive wind slabs will form at ridgecrest if the wind picks up. Small but reactive wind slab and dry loose avalanches will be the main concern.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 10 cm of recent snowfall overlies wind-affected snow in open terrain at treeline and in the alpine, and 10 to 15 cm of soft snow in sheltered areas above 1700 m.

20 to 40 cm sits over the early February crust that is thin and breakable on northerly aspects to ~2300 m and thick on southerly aspects.

A widespread crust and facet layer from late January is buried 40 to 100 cm deep.

The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong. Snowpack depth at treeline is around 150 cm.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Partly cloudy. 1 to 4 cm of snow. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Monday

Mostly cloudy. 1 to 3 cm of snow. 15 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.

Tuesday

Mix of sun and clouds. 2 to 5 cm of snow. 20 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Wednesday

Mix of sun and clouds. 1 cm of snow. 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -13 °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 alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

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