Avalanche forecast

South Coast Inland

Jan 18 – 19, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Periods of low danger are a great time to explore more committing objectives.

Continue to use caution in avalanche terrain, especially on steep sunny slopes and around cornices.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Steep south-facing terrain is where you are most likely to see activity, as the day warms and sunshine intensifies.

Confidence

High

  • Confidence is due to a stable weather pattern with little change expected.

Avalanche Summary

Small wet loose avalanches were observed in the region on Friday.

Looking forward, minimal avalanche activity is expected as long as the hard surface crust remains intact. Conditions may change if the crust weakens and melts with solar input and daytime warming.

If you head to the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations with the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Many areas have rain runnels following the last storm. In general, a thick surface crust caps the snowpack. This crust may break down during daytime warming, especially on sun-exposed slopes, increasing the potential for wet loose avalanches.
In many areas, a new layer of surface hoar is growing on the surface.

Cornices are large and fragile following the last storm. Be mindful of them during this warming trend.

Otherwise, the snowpack is well settled and consolidated, with no current layers of concern. Total snowpack height generally varies between 150 to 250 cm at treeline.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night
Clear skies. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 4 °C. Temperature inversion with above freezing layer from 1800 to 3400 m

Sunday
Sunny. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 2 °C, Temperature inversion with an above-freezing layer from 1800 to 3200 m

Monday
Sunny. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 6 °C. Temperature inversion with an above-freezing layer from 1800 to 3500 m

Tuesday
Mostly sunny. 10 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Temperature inversion with above freezing layer from 2000 to 2700 m

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Periods of low danger may be a good time to increase your exposure.
  • Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.
  • Limit exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Regions covered