Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 3rd, 2026–Mar 4th, 2026

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

Coquihalla, Harrison-Fraser, Manning, Skagit.

New snow combined with reactive weak layers is creating dangerous conditions

Stick to low-angle slopes with limited consequences and no overhead hazard.

Confidence

Moderate

Persistent slabs could become more likely with the forecast weather.
We are uncertain about forecast precipitation amounts.

Avalanche Summary

Monday
Many natural size 1.5-3 slabs were observed. They likely failed on the persistent weak layer.

Sunday
A size 2 persistent slab was remotely triggered in Allison Pass. Details here.

Saturday
A serious accident occurred on Thar Peak. 3 skiers were bootpacking up a couloir when they triggered a size 3 persistent slab. All were partially buried and sustained serious injuries. Another size 2 persistent slab was also remotely triggered nearby.

See photos for details.

Snowpack Summary

Around 15 to 25 cm of new snow is expected at upper elevations by Wednesday afternoon, accompanied by strong southwesterly winds. Rain is possible below 1800 m.

This new snow overlies a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects and lower elevations, and wind-affected surfaces at higher elevations.

A persistent weak layer consisting of a crust/ facet layer from late January is currently buried 40 to 60 cm deep across the region. This layer has been reactive in recent days.

The snowpack below is strong and well-bonded.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night
Cloudy. 10 to 15 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.

Wednesday
Cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.

Thursday
Mix of sun and clouds. 0 to 3 cm of snow. 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Friday
Mix of sun and clouds. 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
Remote triggering is a big concern, be aware of the potential for wide propagations and large, destructive avalanches at all elevations.
Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
Use conservative route selection and resist venturing into complex terrain.

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.

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-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.