About Garibaldi Park

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

The Garibaldi region rises over 2600 meters from sea level directly behind Squamish and serves as the namesake for the surrounding provincial park. It is situated in the heavily glaciated southern section of the Coast Mountains, where the landscape is defined by the massive volcanic cone of Mount Garibaldi and the expansive icefields that flow from its flanks. This terrain offers a distinct transition from the steep, forested valleys of the coast to high-alpine plateaus and rolling glaciers like the Garibaldi Neve. Access is primarily gained through well-established park trails, leading to a region that has been a center for ski mountaineering since the 1940s, offering a mix of long glacier runs and classic high-level traverses. The snow climate is quintessential maritime, driven by its position on the windward side of the Coast Mountains where it intercepts consistent Pacific moisture. While the region is coastal in nature, its significant elevation and position within the glaciated belt allow for the maintenance of massive ice volumes and a deep, reliable snowpack. Snow conditions tend to become drier and more consistent with gain in elevation, though the area remains prone to heavy mid-winter storms that deliver massive accumulations. This prolific snowfall builds the deep base required to bridge the complex crevasse systems of the icefields, though it also necessitates careful attention to wind-loading and rapid settlement throughout the winter season.

Terrain within this zone includes: Red Heather, Elfin Lakes, Diamond Head, Atwell, Gargoyles, Mamquam, Black Tusk, Price, Panorama.