Avalanche forecast

Sea To Sky

Mar 3 – 4, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Fresh, reactive storm slabs with form throughout the day at upper elevations.

Large human-triggered avalanches remain possible due to potential buried weak layers.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1.5–3

    Weak layers of surface hoar and facets/crust could exist in the top meter. These layers have been found recently near the Sea to Sky Gondola. The distribution seems spotty- dig down and look- large consequential avalanches are possible!

  • Loose Wet

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

    Where heavy rain saturates the upper snowpack, wet loose avalanches may occur in steep terrain.

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Fresh storm slabs will build throughout the day as new snow accumulates. Expect deeper, more reactive deposits in wind-loaded terrain.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain about how quickly persistent slabs are gaining strength.

Avalanche Summary

On Sunday, a few natural wind slabs (size 1-2) avalanches were observed in alpine terrain, some triggered by large cornice failures. Small (size 1) wet loose avalanches were observed from steep solar aspects with strong sun.

Looking forward to Tuesday, new snow and wind will build fresh storm slabs throughout the day.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 30 cm of new snow will arrive by Tuesday afternoon, accompanied by strong southerly winds. This new snow overlies a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects and lower elevations, and wind-affected surfaces at higher elevations.

40 to 70 cm of storm snow from the past week may be sitting on a layer of surface hoar, facets or a crust.

Another weak layer consisting of a crust with facets from early February is buried 80 to 100+ cm deep.

The remaining snowpack appears to be well settled and bonded.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Partly cloudy. 1 to 2 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.

Tuesday

Cloudy. 10 to 25 cm of snow at treeline. 40 to 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Wednesday

A mix of sun and cloud. Up to 5 cm of snow at treeline. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy. 2 to 4 cm of snow at treeline. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.
  • Avoid freshly wind-loaded terrain features.
  • Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
  • Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.

Regions covered