Avalanche forecast

Northwest Inland

Jan 8 – 9, 2025Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Be especially careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.Buried weak layers may become reactive with the added weight of new snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    New snow and extreme ridgetop winds are expected to build wind slabs. Watch for blowing snow and avoid leeward slopes.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    A widespread crust with weak crystals overtop is buried 40-80 cm deep. While this layer exists on all aspects, it's most likely to be triggered on wind-loaded slopes.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Monday, a few small loose and slab avalanches were reported in the Babines. These were likely triggered by sun exposure and warming, as they all occurred on south-facing slopes. During periods of sun on Wednesday may see similar avalanches occur.

Since the middle of last week, no other avalanches have been reported, though recent observations have been very limited.

We expect the likelihood of triggering avalanches to rise due to the recent snow and wind.

Snowpack Summary

Certain parts of the region may have received up to 25 cm of snow over the last two days, while other areas saw only 10 to 15 cm. These lower snowfall areas may only experience moderate avalanche danger.

The new snow may cover a thin sun crust on south and westerly slopes, and otherwise add to the 10 to 20 cm of older storm snow elsewhere.

We expect reactive new wind slabs on leeward slopes brought on by the new snow and wind.

A noticeable persistent weak layer is buried 40 to 80 cm. This layer is made of weak facets overlying a crust. With additional new snow and wind-loading, this layer may become reactive.

The remainder of the snowpack is well-settled and bonded.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Cloudy with 1 to 10 cm of snow, possible rain below 1300 m. Highest precipitation amounts are for the Kispoix region. 40 to 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C.

Wednesday

Mix of sun and cloud. 40 to 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C.

Thursday

Cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of snow. 50 to 60 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.

Friday

Cloudy with 0 to 5 cm of snow. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.
  • Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind-loaded snow.

Regions covered