About Field

This page shows the current backcountry snow report, avalanche forecast, and weather conditions for Field. Check the danger rating, field observations, and Doctor's Orders summary above before heading out.

The Field region encompasses the terrain surrounding the historic railway town of Field, BC, at the eastern end of Kicking Horse Pass within Yoho National Park. This is a compact region defined by the canyon walls of the Kicking Horse River, the abrupt flanks of Cathedral Mountain and Mount Stephen, and the treed mid-elevation terrain that forms the approach to the higher alpine regions of the Little Yoho valley system to the north. The Trans-Canada Highway runs through the centre of the region, making the lower terrain highly accessible, while the upper areas require commitment and technical travel on steeper ground. Snow conditions in the Field area reflect the region's position at the transition between the Columbia wet belt and the drier Continental Divide environment, receiving meaningful but not extreme snowfall compared to areas to the west around Golden. The Kicking Horse River valley creates a natural funnel for cold air drainage and westerly wind, producing significant slab development on exposed aspects above treeline. The narrow terrain features and confined valley walls typical of this region mean that overhead hazard from natural avalanche paths on the canyon walls is a persistent and serious consideration throughout the avalanche season.

Terrain within this zone includes: Lake O'Hara, Elizabeth Parker Hut, Yoho National Park, Kicking Horse River, Cathedral Mountain.