Avalanche forecast

South Coast Inland

Mar 27 – 28, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Recent snow and wind have formed reactive slabs.

A buried weak layer persist and if triggered may result in a large to very large avalanche.

Review this video for persistent slab strategies.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

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

    Cornices are large and fragile.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3.5

    Two crusts, buried in early February (facets on top) and March are still a concern, particularly in the Hurley area and zones to the north. Smaller avalanches or cornice falls have the potential to trigger an avalanche on these layers.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    Recent storm snow and southwest winds continue to build reactive slabs. Avalanches are expected be larger and more likely on west through north facing (leeward) slopes.

Confidence

Moderate

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

Avalanche Summary

Throughout the past week, a large (size 2) natural storm slab was reported Thursday near Anderson Lake, with widespread cracking observed near Hurley Pass Wednesday. Earlier in the week, numerous small rider-triggered storm slabs were reported north of Pemberton. Explosive control produced cornice and wind slab avalanches, with one stepping down to a deeper weak layer.

Snowpack Summary

Moderate to strong southwest wind have formed deeper, and more reactive deposits in leeward terrain.

Expect to find, up to 35 to 70 cm of recent storm snow over a widespread, thick and hard crust below about 1800 m, and old wind-affected snow at upper elevations.

Two crusts, buried in early February and March are still a concern, particularly in the Hurley area and zones to the north. Expect to find them around 1-1.5 meters below the snow surface. Of the two, only the early February crust has been reported to have loose, sugary facets on top.

Weather Summary

Friday Night
Mostly cloudy. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Saturday
Mostly cloudy. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Sunday
Mix of sun and clouds. 2 to 3 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.

Monday
Mostly sunny. 2 to 3 cm of snow. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -11 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
  • Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to a buried crust.
  • Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.

Regions covered