March kicks off with a challenging persistent slab problem

The key message right now is that there isn’t a clear message, except for patience. The snowpack is complex and different everywhere, so it’s crucial to get the forecast each day for where you intend to go, and to localize your hazard assessment by making observations, choosing conservative terrain, and being on the lookout for signs of instability.

Many areas in western Canada have one or more buried weak layers in the upper snowpack. These layers are becoming less obvious as they get buried deeper, avalanche activity slows down, and triggering becomes harder. The problem then becomes what we call “low-probability/high-consequence.” You might be happily riding around with no cracking or whumpfing, thinking it's all good–and then suddenly hit the sweet spot and trigger a very large avalanche. 

To avoid this, professional operations spend lots and lots of time assessing a run to see if it's safe to ride. They dig many snowpits, throw explosives, and track the history of each slope through the winter. As a recreationist, that isn’t practical. Instead, the way to stay safe is to manage the slope angle that you are exposed to, including the slope angle of slopes above you. Being patient and sticking to low-angle slopes is the best approach when managing uncertainty and a dangerous snowpack.

And when we say low-angle slopes, think less than 30 degrees in areas with Considerable danger. At High danger, avoid avalanche terrain entirely.

The life cycle of a persistent slab problem

Persistent slab problems evolve over time. Early in their life cycle they are usually shallow, reactive, and relatively predictable. Later they tend to become less predictable, harder to trigger, and more destructive.

At first, a weak layer forms near the snow surface. It may take time for enough snow to accumulate above it to create a slab. Once a slab develops, avalanches are often easy for riders to trigger. Whumpfs and shooting cracks are common and the problem is obvious. This active stage can last through multiple storms, with avalanches becoming larger as the slab thickens. During this period the problem often follows a recognizable terrain pattern, making it easier to manage by avoiding the affected slopes.

Over time, the problem starts to heal and avalanches become less likely. The weak layer may slowly gain strength and it will become harder for the stress from a person on the surface to affect it as it gets buried deeper. This is when persistent slabs become more difficult to manage. Triggers are less common, but if the layer does fail the resulting avalanche is often large and destructive. Clear warning signs become rare. Natural avalanches are uncommon, and digging down to the weak layer takes time and expertise to test and interpret. It can be difficult to determine whether the problem still exists and which terrain features remain potential trigger spots.

Some regions appear to be transitioning from the active stage toward this more uncertain healing phase, while others may still be developing into the active stage. Let’s dive into our current understanding of the problem in our forecast regions. 

Persistent Slabs Persist into March

Dangerous avalanche conditions are expected across much of Western Canada again this weekend. As the stormy period comes to an end, the sun will be out and it will be glorious in the mountains–but don’t let the sunny conditions lure you into a false sense of security. In places where the danger is High our advice is simple: avoid avalanche terrain. Where danger is at Considerable, we will require a lot of discipline to recreate safely.

While we welcome all the new snow that fell this week, in many areas it is sitting over weak layers in the snowpack and will take extra time to stabilize. Very large avalanches have been observed throughout the week and are expected to continue over the weekend. 

Don’t discount the impact of the sun this weekend. It starts to really pack a punch this time of year. Credit: MIN User Devin Franklin

Don’t underestimate Considerable danger. Remember that the definition of Considerable danger is “dangerous avalanche conditions” and that human triggered avalanches are likely under Considerable danger. Most avalanche accidents occur at this rating.

In areas with a persistent slab problem, avalanches have been observed to pull back into low-angle terrain. Give yourself a wide margin of safety this weekend. Credit: MIN User n.lanaway

As well as the unstable snowpack, we need to factor in that the sun really starts to pack a punch this time of year, too. We will likely see solar-triggered avalanches on slopes facing the sun during the heat of the afternoon. Give steep, sun-exposed slopes a wide berth this weekend and watch your overhead exposure.

Here’s our advice on how to manage conditions this weekend: 

Always be aware of your surroundings and watch what is above you. Right now, it’s possible to trigger avalanches from the bottom of an avalanche path.

Be diligent about terrain choices and stick to slope angles less than 30 degrees when in clearings, open trees, and alpine terrain.

Think about the consequences of your terrain choices. Ask yourself what would happen if an avalanche occurred on that slope.. 

Make your uptracks in the safest place you can. Think ridges, ribs, and forested areas.

Watch for other groups and give each other a wide margin of error. Remember, remote triggering is possible from further than you might imagine.

Avoid exposure to overhead hazards, especially during periods of strong sun and warming.

Choose really good safe spots. Persistent slabs will propagate much wider than you might expect and pull back into surprisingly low-angled terrain. Make sure you are regrouping well away from danger.

Don’t forget that persistent slabs don’t always give clues about instability until it’s too late. It’s time to play it safe.

It’s great to see fresh snow after the long dry spell, but the snowpack is tricky in most areas and will take time to stabilize. If you’re heading out for the sunny weekend, stay disciplined. Keep a conservative mindset and don’t let the sun and powder pull you into consequential terrain.

Very large avalanches were observed on Friday in Rogers Pass. Credit: MIN User alexandrehetu1

A prominent weak layer sits below the recent storm snow in many areas. Credit: MIN User duncan

Avalanches have been observed on relatively low angle slopes recently in areas with a persistent slab problem. Credit: MIN User ben.gollat

During periods of strong sun, limit your exposure to slopes with rocky outcrops as these are common places for solar-triggered avalanches. Credit: MIN User breanne.erica

Wide propagations and remote triggering are common features of a persistent slab problem. Always know what is above you and give yourself a wide margin when travelling below steep slopes. Credit: MIN User dduley

We have seen a lot of avalanche activity around treeline elevations recently where the weak layer is generally most prominent. Credit: MIN User j_nowicki


Sunny Skies and a Tricky Snowpack

Touchy, sketchy, spicy, spooky… whatever you want to call it, the snowpack in BC’s interior and southeastern regions is dangerous right now. A series of persistent weak layers lurks within the top metre of the snowpack and is primed for human triggering. 

The areas of concern were at Considerable danger on Thursday 19 February.

Avalanches on these layers are being reported on surprisingly low-angle slopes, and remote triggers have also been observed. These are classic signs of an unstable snowpack and mean we must be much more conservative in our choices. The problem is most notable at treeline on north through east aspects.

Avalanches are possible on surprisingly low-angle slopes. Photo from the central interior region on Thursday 19 February.

Heading into this weekend, and likely into the coming week(s), we need to make sure we’re shifting our plans to align with this volatile and complicated snowpack. Persistent slabs are famously tricky to manage–they’re hard to predict, especially when remote triggering is possible, and we don’t always get good feedback to make decisions. Slopes might not release on the first run, or even the twentieth, but that doesn’t mean they can’t. 

With this kind of snowpack, the best way of managing the problem is avoiding it. That doesn’t mean staying out of the mountains, but it does mean avoiding terrain that could produce an avalanche large enough to bury you or someone in your group. Look for low-angle slopes that are too small to produce a dangerous avalanche and stay away from places with overhead hazard or terrain traps. 

These difficult conditions won’t last forever, but they are here for the next little while. Stay patient and play it safe for now—the bigger lines will still be there when things improve.

A remotely triggered avalanche than ran into tight trees in the Sparwood area, from the MIN.

The problem is most active at treeline and avalanches may propagate widely. Photo from a MIN report in the Revelstoke area.

Unstable conditions in the St Mary's area. Trees are not necessarily a safe haven right now. Photo from the MIN.

A small avalanche near Fernie, reported on the MIN.

Touchy Conditions for the Interior and Southeast

As forecasters, we spend much of the winter behind screens sifting through MIN reports, InfoEx, weather stations, and model output–but field trips are an important part of staying sharp. They help us stay calibrated to how weather, snowpack, and terrain interact in the real world, and deepen our understanding of our large and diverse forecast regions. I spent last week travelling around the southern Purcells with fellow forecasters Tyson Rettie and Leslie Crawley. Here’s a snapshot of what we did and what we found.

We kicked things off by linking up with the South Rockies field team for a day of sledding in the Lumberton area, west of Cranbrook. Our main question was how much snow had accumulated on the late-January weak layer and whether it was developing into a reactive slab. This area sees limited reporting of conditions, and the nearby weather stations often underrepresent snowfall, so ground-truthing conditions would help the regional forecasts. We found the weak layer, but only 10 to 15 cm of recent snow was above it, with no signs of reactivity or recent avalanches. Despite the drought, riding was surprisingly good, and we had ideal conditions for trail breaking into new terrain. We wrapped up the day with rescue practice and took advantage of our large group by burying multiple transceivers. On the drive home, we read a freshly published MIN report from a few valleys to the north describing more recent snow and reactivity on the same weak layer, which set the stage for our next day.

We appreciated the great trail network and signage to find cool riding areas in Lumberton.

In search of this potentially more dangerous snowpack, we headed out for a day of sled-accessed ski touring in one of the southern drainages of the St. Mary River. Out of courtesy to local riders, we placed our MIN report pin near our staging area instead of our exact destination, which is an acceptable way to share information to the public and regional forecasters. 

We often place our MIN reports at the staging areas rather than our final destination. Even without a precise location, the information is still helpful to local recreationists and the regional forecasters.

Although we were only a few kilometres from the previous day’s report that described widespread shooting cracks, conditions were very different. We found just 5 cm of snow above the weak layer. This really highlighted how variable the snowpack can be over short distances. This was the first of several unseasonably warm and sunny days, so we closely monitored the effects of surface warming and scanned for natural avalanches. We didn’t find signs of instability beyond some surface pinwheeling. That evening, we shared our observations at the State of the Snowpack event in Kimberley and connected with local skiers and sledders.

Warm, sunny weather in the St Mary valley.

Next, we headed north to Canal Flats to explore the Doctor Creek valley. Several past attempts to access this area had been shut down by avalanche debris on the road, and this trip started off similar. We encountered wet loose debris across the road that was a few days old. We stopped to carefully assess whether it was safe to proceed. We talked through scenarios, such as additional avalanches blocking our exit or getting stuck while crossing debris and being exposed for extended periods. After identifying several options that minimized overhead hazard on both the approach and exit, we were comfortable continuing.

Stopping at avalanche debris to discuss options for approaching and exiting that minimized exposure to overhead hazard.

Farther up the valley, we enjoyed sledding into multiple basins under clear skies. We were surprised to see so many sled tracks in an area that has never once had a MIN report. The quality of the riding and the scale of the avalanche terrain were impressive in this area, and we’re keen to revisit in the future.

Not every plan works out. With me sidelined sick, Tyson and Leslie attempted to access a sled-accessed skiing zone east of Fort Steele in the Rockies. Melted-out roads stopped them earlier than expected, leaving no practical place to park a trailer without committing to long stretches of gravel riding. They ended the day early and did some equipment maintenance and office work.

Some access roads look more like late March than early February.

Avalanche danger in the southern Purcells during this week was lower than in neighbouring regions to the west, an important insight for this relatively data-sparse area. More consistent MIN reports from riders in regions like this would further improve the accuracy and precision of our forecasts.
The trip also gave us firsthand familiarity with several riding areas where we previously had limited context. That local knowledge strengthens our ability to write relevant forecasts and better interpret observations.

Finally, despite weeks of drought, the snow skied and rode better than expected. Time in the field is always valuable, and it was great to get outside before heading back to our desks.

by Simon Horton, Senior Avalanche Forecaster and Research Officer

Forecaster Trip Report: South Purcells Feb 3 to 6

Avalanche Conditions Update Feb 6 2026

Hello and welcome to your Avalanche Canada conditions report for February 6th, 2026. I'm forecaster Colin Garritty. Normally we like to do a bit of a tour or a survey of all of our forecast regions to give you a bit of a sense of everywhere. But this week we've got a situation developing that warrants a bit more of a focused approach.

Folks who follow our forecasts are probably already aware of the late January weak layer, it formed during the drought in January, and it's taken a few different trajectories across western Canada in the time since it was formed. Today I want to focus in on the B.C. interior, where it's developed into a serious, persistent slab problem. So over the last week or so, we've received many reports of persistent slab avalanches on this layer. And then the depth and the corresponding size of avalanches have varied, but some consistent themes have emerged.

So the layer’s well preserved, it shows up prominently in snow profiles. So if you take a look at the MIN and you see different people's profile walls, and you see a big void in the upper snowpack, that's the layer that we're talking about. It exists at all elevations. So surface hoar grew everywhere, but it was most prominent, that growth, and it was best preserved at kind of mid elevations. That's where we've seen the most reactivity. The recent warming trend hasn't, degraded the layer in any meaningful way. So instead, it's actually aided in the formation of a slab over the layer. It's actually contributing to the problem moreso.

It's also proven quite reactive to remote triggering. So that's triggering from a distance. This tells us that in many areas, it would take very little to, to cause or to trigger a life threatening avalanche. So as we roll into the weekend, we have a storm moving into the interior. It's going to add new snow to the snowpack and new load above the problem. Operators are already impressed by the reactivity of this problem under 20 to 40 cm of recent snow. And they recognize that we haven't yet experienced like a widespread, definitive avalanche cycle on the layer and with the light amounts that we're seeing in the forecast, we don't actually expect that widespread cycle.

Instead, we just see the avalanche danger incrementally step a little bit higher. While that problem hovers near a tipping point. And you don't want to be the one that tips the scales. So with all this in mind, what's our advice? Well, having a dig down to take a look at the problem is a bit double edged. It's a great way to confirm what form the layer takes in your location, but you need to be careful not to dismiss it if you don't find it. Surface hoar formation and preservation is really spatially variable. And just because you don't find it doesn't mean it's not nearby. And your ECT or your ski cut may not give you the feedback that you need to make a safe decision. In general, we've had a fairly forgiving snowpack in the interior so far this season, but, with this problem in play, it's time to step back and exercise the restraint that's more in line with a typical interior snowpack with surface hoar problems. This means, in general, choosing lower angled slopes and also choosing terrain defensively. So choosing places to go where an avalanche won't reach you if it releases, and then measuring your group's exposure to terrain very carefully, if you do find yourself moving through a bit of suspect terrain. It will be important too to tune in to changes in the environment that are contributing to the changes in avalanche likelihood.

So if the wind is picking up, you know a natural wind slab release would be an excellent trigger for a persistent slab avalanche. Is the new snow that we're getting starting to form a more widespread storm slab? The same thing goes there. A storm slab release would be a great trigger for a persistent slab, and for Sunday is the sun starting to poke out? So solar warming and loose wet avalanches again are great natural triggers for deeper layers to avalanche. 

So that's the general story for right now. And we're kind of taking the turn off of Easy Street, and the road ahead does look a bit bumpy. So keep both hands on the wheel and, your eyes on the road, and we'll see you next week for another update.

Conditions Update for Feb 6 2026

Warming is making for worrying conditions in the some of our forecast regions.

Feb 3 Avalanche Conditions Update

Here's a special mid-week conditions update with Wendy from Avalanche Canada. It's February 3rd, 2026, and we're about to see a significant change in weather and avalanche danger. We're heading into a major warming trend as an atmospheric river drives temperatures up across western Canada this week. To complicate things, a widespread layer of large surface hoar sitting on a crust has been freshly buried across most forecast regions.

Recent avalanche activity has shown just how reactive this layer is, with natural and accidental avalanches catching backcountry users off guard. We've also had reports of remote triggering, which tells us the snowpack is still unstable. Freezing levels rose to around 2000 m today in many areas, and are expected to climb above 3000 m tomorrow in the south. With sunshine in the mix, expect a rapid shift to spring-like conditions.

We have some uncertainty over exactly how this will play out, but we know avalanche danger will rise and widespread natural avalanches may occur. On the coast, more rain is expected on an already saturated snowpack. Our greatest concern is for the interior, where this layer hasn't yet been tested by warm temperatures and warm conditions are expected to persist into the weekend, meaning dangerous avalanche conditions will stick around for many regions.

Match your terrain choices to local conditions and always check the avalanche forecast before heading out.

February 3 2026 Conditions Update

Your conditions update for Friday December 5, 2025. 

Conditions Update Dec 5 2025

Hey, everyone. Zoe here with Avalanche Canada with a conditions update for December 5th, 2025. Conditions are changing and winter is on its way. We're expecting a steady stream of precipitation in most of our forecast areas for the weekend and into the coming week. So, moving forward, it's going to be a good time to step back into more conservative terrain.

Despite the lack of snow at lower elevations. We've had some great riding conditions up high with relatively low avalanche danger. Conditions are changing, and your approach to avalanche terrain should as well.

Okay, so how did we get here? Some clear cold weather in mid to late November resulted in weak layers forming on the surface, a thin sun crust, feathery surface hoar, and facets were reported in most parts of western Canada.

In most areas, there was a rain crust that was buried in November, that now has some facets on top of it. This would only be a potential problem if the rain fell on snow that was deep enough to overcome ground roughness to form a smooth surface- and this would be most likely in lower elevation alpine terrain. At this time, it seems like the more recent layers in the upper snowpack are the most likely to be concerning. So up until now, there have been periods of light snow stacking up over these weak layers as we move into the weekend.

Snowfall will continue to stack up and certainly ramp up in some areas, likely reaching the tipping point for touchy slab avalanches to form over these layers. So buried weak layers means the potential for wide propagation and remotely triggered avalanches.

Start with a conservative approach to terrain, choosing smaller, low consequence slopes and be on the lookout for recent avalanches and signs of instability.

Make sure you're only exposing one rider at a time to avalanche terrain, and always regroup in safe spots, ideally where you can spot the rider who's on the slope. As for the terrain below treeline, most of our forecast areas still have pretty thin coverage until you get well into treeline terrain. Creeks, rocks, stumps, and other hazards may be barely buried. New snow will only cover up these hazards. Plan your exits carefully. Travel slowly and make your parents proud by always wearing your helmet.

Remember, the season is still young and there's lots of great riding ahead. Enjoy the fresh snow, but keep your stoke in check. Make sure you're always checking the forecast before heading out into the backcountry for the most up to date conditions for your riding area.

Head to avalanche.ca and give us and your local field team, if you have one, a follow on social media to stay up to date. Have a super fun weekend and I'll catch you on the next update.

Things are Changing!

Daily public avalanche forecasts started this week 🎉. In many of our forecasting areas, terrain at treeline and below is looking pretty rugged with not much snow coverage right now. The exception to this is the northwest coast of BC and the Yukon, which have had more consistent snow down to valley bottom so far. 

In southern BC and Alberta, the snowpack at treeline and below is quite thin, meaning there are plenty of prominent early season hazards and access to riding areas can be quite difficult. 

Low elevations still have little to no snow on the ground making access difficult in many areas. Credit: MIN User lfbraun10.

At lower elevations where the avalanche danger is Low, the main concern is what’s under, or barely under, the snow. Here are some of the hazards we’re thinking about:

Rocks, stumps, and bushes (think about your knees, A-arms, and other ground contacting gear).

Creeks. Many are still wide open and any bridges that have formed over them are probably still very weak.

Challenging (think luge track) exits. Combined with short days, it’s a good idea to start your egress early. 

Big rocks are still showing in Crowsnest Pass, but think about what’s buried that you can’t see. Credit: MIN user jimm5.

However, it’s a different story in the alpine. In the alpine, avalanche season is in full swing with some near misses and some natural avalanches reported on the Mountain Information Network, so make the mental switch in terrain management once you’re up there. 

A remotely triggered wind slab avalanche was reported on Monday near Pemberton. Credit: MIN user reimers.er.

If we were heading into the backcountry, we’d try to get up into the alpine and then stay there for most of our time out, since this is where the good riding is. Remember to be cautious about crevasses. Thin snow cover can hide them, and weak snow bridges may not be strong enough to support a person's weight. 

In elevation bands with Moderate or higher avalanche danger, the above concerns likely still exist, but if there is enough snow for fun sliding or sledding, there is enough snow to avalanche. Across our forecast areas, the avalanche problem we’re seeing is wind slabs in exposed alpine terrain. In some regions those wind slabs might be sitting on a layer of weak snow. 

The NW coastal regions generally have the deepest snowpack at the moment, and with a deep snowpack comes large avalanches like this example which was observed recently near Terrace. Credit: MIN User travisluvsbikes.

It’s important that you’ve read the avalanche forecast for where you are planning to go, and know what you are likely to find when you get up there. It’s also important to continuously assess conditions as you gain elevation. Snowpack depth (and avalanche hazard) can increase quickly as you reach treeline and beyond.

Also, remember that even a small unexpected sluff can knock you off your feet or sled, and push you somewhere that you weren’t planning to be. With a shallow snowpack like this, we aren’t just worried about being pushed over a cliff, but also falling into a stump or rock that is barely buried. 

Winter conditions exist in the alpine and you may already find large cornices like this example from the South Coast. Credit: MIN User iandhilgendorff.

White Pass is off to a good start with over 1 m of snow observed on the ground recently with no major weak layers of concern. Credit: MIN User meklaben.

A Tale of Two Elevations

We’re off to a busy start this November. Over the past week, there’s been a noticeable rise in near-miss reports submitted to the Mountain Information Network (MIN) with storm slabs and wind slabs catching folks out. Huge thanks to everyone who’s been posting; early season observations are incredibly valuable.

Right now, conditions across the mountains are all over the map. Some regions are lining up for a solid dump of new snow, while others may see rain reaching all the way to the mountain tops, which could erase some of the existing avalanche problems but create a whole new set of challenges. The mix of new loading, warm temperatures, and variable early-season surfaces means things can change quickly from place to place.

A quick reminder that our regular avalanche forecasts don’t start until November 26 (though Parks Canada are publishing forecasts for the mountain national parks already and Kananaskis Country is coming soon). Until then, it’s especially important to treat all avalanche terrain with care. With a thin early-season snowpack, even a small slide can have serious consequences because of exposed rocks, stumps, and ground hazards.

If you’re getting out into the backcountry:

Check recent MIN posts to see what others are encountering

Keep an eye on changing weather—new snow, wind, or rising freezing levels

Practice avalanche rescue with your transceiver, shovel, and probe

Share your own observations if you can because it helps the whole community

Thanks for keeping the reports coming, and stay safe out there until forecasting kicks off for the season.

This group ski cut a slope and triggered a size 2 storm slab which they were able to avoid. Credit: MIN user ahpbjmurray

A size 1.5 took a skier for a ride in Harvey Pass. Credit: MIN user l.mckinnon.

An observed near-miss in Glacier National Park. Credit: MIN user jeenamr

A different perspective on the Balu Pass avalanche in GNP from the group involved. Thankful for a good outcome. Credit: MIN user SUNSHY. 

Over the past week, there’s been a noticeable rise in near-miss reports submitted to the MIN

Early Season Conditions: What We’re Seeing in the MIN

A parade of juicy fall storms have gotten all of us thinking about winter–and some of us heading out to claim first tracks. A handful of MIN posts have highlighted where there's enough snow to go take a look and the spread of visuals in those posts is pretty stunning.

First off, big ups to travisluvsbikes and SkiWithTuna in the Northwest for their posts showing off large glide slab releases on some regular performers. It seems the conditions up there are a month ahead of the rest of us. Avalanche season is ON in the Northwest.

The southern Sea to Sky appears to be shaping up nicely, with up to a metre of snow in places (certainly more by the time this blog is published) and mild temperatures hinting at the formation of a characteristically strong foundation. 

The same warming has already produced widespread crusts in places like Brandywine Valley, a reminder that temperature spikes, rain, or longer intervals between storms will set up layering that paves the way for avalanches the next time the snow flies.

A lot of terrain is now above threshold for avalanches on the north and south coast.

Red Heather meadows in Squamish. Credit: Emily Nadia Kasal

Brandywine Valley alpine. Credit: MIN user TARFEEF101

More threshold-crossing coverage at treeline, Brandywine Valley. Credit: MIN user MACDONALDHALEY7

A bit farther north in the Wedgemount Lake area, coverage thins a bit, but avalanche paths are still smoothing out in treeline terrain as well as gullies and couloirs.

Wedgemount alpine. Credit: MIN user DECLANKNIES

Deeper in the interior of BC, the sparse reports from places like Raft Mountain and the Gorge near Revelstoke suggest you might find enough snow for cautious travel and maybe tackling a super smooth slope–but not without risk of a shark attack. The Gorge reportedly only has 30-40 cm at 1600 m.

Raft Mountain alpine and treeline. Credit: MIN user NICOLOGMAZ

The leeward Columbia Mountains are looking a lot like winter too. This MIN photo of a remote-triggered windslab on smooth ground at Farnham Glacier illustrates how threshold isn’t such a relevant concept in the alpine.

Farnham Glacier. Credit: MIN user BASTIENSWTOR

In places like Banff and Jasper National Parks, there’s more than enough snow to start threatening couloirs and ice climbs, so it’s time to make sure you’re factoring that into your plans.

Debris near the not-yet-skiable Grandaddy couloir on Bow Peak. MIN user CMURRAYSCHLITT

In fact, if there’s one message to pull from these images together, it’s that it’s time for us all to start looking at the mountains as avalanche terrain again! 

The idea of terrain’s “threshold” for producing avalanches is about how it takes a certain amount of snow to form a smooth surface for avalanches to run on. It makes a lot of sense in lumpy places, like rock gardens or forest, but loses significance in the alpine or smooth slopes. Places below threshold for avalanches are often below threshold for recreation too. Avoid tying your mind up in knots about which slopes are above or below threshold. If there’s enough snow to be worth engaging in winter recreation, it’s probably above threshold. The old adage, “if there’s enough to ride, there’s enough to slide” has merit.

The earliest part of the season is, bar none, the easiest time of year to get your friends out for rescue practice. Stoke is high and the mountains aren’t quite in form. You’re probably not ready to send it through the trees, but there’s more than enough snow to bury transceivers and probe targets. Use the time to get your skills honed and be ready to go when the conditions are right. 

Just try to tell us this doesn’t look like fun. Credit: VI field team

For those of us still clinging to summer or shoulder season activities where we wouldn't normally need avalanche awareness or gear, we’re now confronted with a question: are you the kind of person that turns around when you encounter the snowline?

If the snow means no-go for you, your plans probably don’t need to change much right now. But if you’re the kind of person that hits the snowline and gets excited to take your hike up a notch? Then it’s definitely time to get the gear and training before you carry on. 

Let’s enjoy spooky season and the end of fall safely, so when winter arrives in earnest we’re all set to enjoy it to the full. 

In Like A Lion

Today marks the final day of forecasting for this winter. As we sign off, conditions appear relatively straightforward across most areas. Repeated periods of strong sunshine and significant warming have effectively tested deeper layers throughout much of the province. The earlier warm-ups caused elevated danger, but in the long term, the warm days with overnight re-freezes have stabilized the snowpack. Most places are looking at fairly stable conditions for any spring adventures, but there are (of course) a few exceptions.

Steep, rocky slopes are common places for wet loose avalanches, especially on warm sunny days. Credit: MIN User tommichaelhay

In shallower snowpack areas in the Rockies and Purcells, the inherently weak basal facets could still be triggered by large cornice falls or by a rider in shallow, steep terrain. This will be especially true when we shift into an “all-melt, no freeze” scenario when the temperatures don’t go below zero at night.

Large persistent slab avalanches can continue well into the spring, like this recent example from Haines Pass. Credit: MIN User jeffmoskowitz

In addition to the shallower snowpack areas, northern BC and the Yukon will also be places to watch. The snowpack here has not seen warming as dramatic as regions to the south, and layers in the mid and lower snowpack have still been producing periodic large, surprising avalanches. It’s likely that when we do get that first big hit of summer-like heat, deeper layers could wake up, and a large avalanche cycle could occur. But those conditions are probably better beach weather anyway!

Wind slab avalanches are common in the spring at higher elevations. Credit: MIN User ariseguiding

Next week, we anticipate the return of more active weather in coastal areas. If you’re planning on getting out there, remember that there will be no avalanche forecasts available, so you’ll need to be able to assess the danger on your own. 

Otherwise, it’s looking like it will be a pretty typical spring. If you’re ambitious and willing to work (or use jet fuel) to reach higher elevations, skiing on glaciers and higher north-facing terrain could still offer some great riding. Chasing elusive corn skiing on sunny slopes is also a worthwhile endeavour. Here are some general scenarios and things to think about as you are planning your spring missions: 

Cold and Snowy: Winter-like storms can still occur, bringing new snow and wind that can form storm slab or wind slab conditions. These slabs may form over melt-freeze crusts, creating a potential sliding layer. Be cautious during and after storms, especially on leeward slopes where wind loading is prevalent.

Daily Melt-Freeze Cycles: Clear days and cold nights lead to surface crusts forming overnight, which then soften during the day. This cycle can produce favourable conditions for corn snow, but also increases the risk of loose wet avalanches in the afternoon. Plan travel to avoid steep, sun-exposed slopes during the warmest parts of the day.​

All Melt, No Freeze: Prolonged warm temperatures without overnight refreezing cause a weakening snowpack. This scenario increases the likelihood of wet slab avalanches and deep persistent slab avalanches as meltwater penetrates deeper layers. Limit exposure to avalanche terrain during these periods, and be especially wary of large, unsupported slopes.

All Freeze, No Melt: Consistently cold temperatures maintain a frozen snowpack, generally reducing avalanche risk. However, isolated instabilities may persist, particularly on high, north-facing slopes. Continue to assess conditions and remain cautious in complex terrain.

Open creeks can be hazardous in the spring. Credit: MIN User sportnewk

While it is useful to understand which of the spring scenarios is occurring when you are heading out, it is also important to continually assess conditions as you are travelling. Here are some tips for the spring:

Timing is Crucial: Start early to take advantage of firm morning conditions and aim to be off avalanche-prone slopes before the day's warmth increases instability.

Monitor Weather and Conditions: Stay informed about current weather forecasts and check for conditions reports on the MIN. Be prepared to adjust plans based on changing conditions.​

Assess Terrain Carefully: Evaluate slope aspect, elevation, and exposure to sun and wind. South and east-facing slopes typically warm earlier in the day and west-facing slopes later in the day, increasing avalanche risk.​

Watch for Signs of Instability: Recent avalanche activity, cracking, or "whumphing" sounds all indicate unstable conditions. If you observe these signs, reassess your route and consider safer alternatives.

Cornice Awareness: Cornices become increasingly unstable with warming temperatures. Give them a wide berth, both above and below, to avoid potential collapse. Remember, they can break far back from the ridgeline.

Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on ridges. Credit: MIN User alexcarpentier420


Farewell to Forecasting Season

Spring snowpack dynamics can be tricky, it’s not like any other time of year. One of the keys to managing the changeable nature of spring is understanding the differences between two common spring scenarios—melt-freeze and all-melt, no-freeze. 

Let’s unpack these scenarios and break down what to expect for weather, snowpack behavior, avalanche activity, and how to manage terrain in each situation. While the names give you a hint, there’s more to them than meets the eye.

As daytime temperatures rise, the snow surface melts and softens. Overnight, as temperatures drop, the melted snow refreezes. This cycle of thawing and refreezing is known as a spring diurnal cycle.

When the snow refreezes, bonds form between the snow crystals—a process we refer to as "recovery." This is when the snowpack gains strength, becoming more cohesive and stable. A thin, breakable surface crust indicates a weak refreeze, while a thick crust signals a stronger recovery and reduces the likelihood of avalanche activity.

A thick melt-freeze crust can make it more difficult to trigger avalanches on deeper layers in the snowpack. Credit: AvCan Vancouver Island Field Team MIN.

As daytime temperatures or the sun warms up the snowpack, the crust and surface snow begin to soften. Loose wet avalanches and wet slab avalanches become more likely as the crust softens and surface snow loses cohesion. Over time, repeated melt-freeze cycles create corn snow, where the snowpack remains supportive, and a soft surface offers fantastic riding conditions. 

Wet avalanche activity is most likely if the surface crust breaks down. Credit: MIN User NICOLAS.2.

In this scenario, daytime temperatures rise, but the snowpack is unable to refreeze overnight. This occurs when freezing levels remain high, cloud cover traps heat, or rain continues to melt the snowpack. Regardless of what drives it, the snowpack stays in a weak state without the chance to recover.

When temperatures rise the next day, the snowpack destabilizes much faster because it’s already fragile. As the conditions persist, heat and melt penetrate deeper into the snowpack, and avalanches on deeper persistent weak layers become more likely.

Large avalanches on buried weak layers are most likely when warming affects deep into the snowpack. Credit: MIN user ITSAS.

The snowpack becomes isothermal when all layers reach 0°C. Isothermal snow is weak, with no structure to hold it together. This is when avalanche danger is at its highest, and large, destructive avalanches are expected.


Melt-freeze cycles offer more predictable snowpack behavior.

Avalanche danger is typically Low when the snowpack is frozen, rising as warming and sun affect the snowpack. Danger ratings can reach High over a matter of hours. 

The frozen snowpack presents a window of opportunity to cross large, consequential slopes before they are affected by daytime warming. 

Travelling on a thick, hard crust means avalanches are unlikely, but it can create slippery and challenging travel conditions. 

As warming occurs and snow softens, the risk of wet avalanches increases.

Step back into conservative terrain as warming affects the snowpack. Factor in overhead hazard as the heat builds.

Start and finish your day early to take advantage of more stable conditions before danger rises.

​If temperatures rise higher than the snowpack has previously been exposed to, melting penetrates deeper into the snowpack. This disrupts the diurnal freeze-thaw cycle, potentially triggering avalanches that involve deeper layers.

Rocks are common trigger points for wet avalanche activity during spring. Credit: MIN User R.M.INSTONE.

All melt, no freeze conditions are more uncertain. 

Maintaining conservative terrain choices is essential 

The potential for large, destructive avalanches increases with each day lacking overnight recovery, as the snowpack is unable to regain strength.

During strong sunshine, avoid sun-exposed slopes and head for shaded, north facing terrain where heating is less intense.

Minimize exposure to overhead hazards, as avalanches may run full path.

In both scenarios, sun-affected slopes warm and lose cohesion most quickly. Avalanche danger can increase rapidly, sometimes in just minutes, with rising temperatures and strong sunshine. Pay attention to how deep your boot sinks into the snowpack if you step off your gear, and stay alert to changing snow conditions throughout the day. Even as temperatures start to drop in the evening, exercise caution. It can take several hours for the snowpack to fully stabilize. Cornices also become weak during spring and are prone to sudden failure. Give them plenty of space, both on and below ridgelines. 

Large overhanging cornices can become weak during the spring, especially during all melt, no freeze conditions. Credit: AvCan Newfoundland Field Team MIN

Glacier ice can become fragile and trigger avalanches when it fails. Use extra caution around overhead glacier features during periods of warming. Credit: MIN User KOOB.MARK.

Rollerballing and pinwheeling are signs of a warming snowpack. Credit: South Rockies Field Team MIN.

While both scenarios carry avalanche risks, all melt, no freeze conditions are generally more dangerous. Without any overnight refreeze, the snowpack begins each day already weak and unstable, and a more conservative approach is needed. In contrast, with good timing and terrain management, melt-freeze conditions can be a time for big objectives and spring traverses. 

Being able to identify the pattern and predict how the snowpack will react is essential for safe backcountry travel in the spring. Stay alert to changing conditions—the snowpack doesn’t handle rapid change well, and spring weather can shift quickly!

Spring Snowpack: Freeze…What is it good for?

Wet loose avalanches should be expected from steep sun-exposed slopes during periods of intense warming. Credit: Avalanche Canada Yukon Field Team MIN

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