Thar N couloir incident

Incident

Group Size

3

Terrain Trap

gullyDepression

Group Activity

skiing

Number Injured

2

Number Involved

5

Number Caught Only

1

Snow Depth Trigger Point

variable

Terrain Shape Trigger Point

unsupported

Number Partly Buried Able Breathing

1

Number Partly Buried Impaired Breathing

1

Avalanche Incident Report Location: Thar Peak North Couloir, Coquihalla Mountains, BC Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026 On Saturday, February 28, 2026, we planned a backcountry ski tour in the Coquihalla Mountains, specifically the Thar Peak North Couloir. I was familiar with this line, having attempted it the previous year, but we turned around halfway at that time due to poor conditions. This year, conditions appeared favorable. Avalanche Canada had reported Level 2 (Moderate) avalanche danger. However, the primary concern was recent strong winds, which had created uneven snow distribution and potential wind slabs. During our approach to the couloir, we continuously assessed the terrain, discussed observations, and shared how we were feeling. The first red flag was a large snow deposition (snow tongue) on the area below the couloir. We ascended to it and I tested its stability by stomping on it to evaluate bonding. It felt relatively stable, so we decided to continue toward the couloir. The second and more significant red flag was that there was visibly more snow inside the couloir compared to surrounding terrain. In hindsight, we should have assumed this was primarily wind-loaded snow from recent storms. We entered the couloir and performed a compression test, which produced relatively positive results. While ascending, the snowpack felt well bonded underfoot. No one in the group voiced opposition, and I was personally feeling euphoric about finally skiing the full Thar Couloir.