Avalanche forecast

South Coast

Jan 29 – 30, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Large, natural avalanches are expected to occur at upper elevations on Thursday.

Travel in alpine terrain is not recommended.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    80 to 120 cm of forecast snow above 1600 m and strong south wind will very likely trigger large natural avalanches on Thursday.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very 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 Thursday.

Wet loose avalanches are expected at treeline and below.

Snowpack Summary

80 to 120 cm of forecast snow above 1600 m and strong south wind will likely trigger a natural storm slab avalanche cycle on Thursday.

Below 1600 m, rain may trigger wet loose avalanches.

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

Wednesday Night
Cloudy. 50 to 70 cm of snow above 1200 m (rain below). 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Thursday
Cloudy. 35 to 50 cm of snow above 1600 m (rain below). 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 1900 m.

Friday
Cloudy. 30 to 40 cm of snow above 1300 m (rain below). 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 2 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.

Saturday
Mostly cloudy. 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 2500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Travel in alpine terrain is not recommended.
  • 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.
  • Avalanche danger will rapidly increase if snow switches to rain.

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