Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 6th, 2026–Feb 7th, 2026

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

North Columbia, Clearwater, McBride, Premier, Quesnel, Clemina.

A persistent weak layer remains a primary concern for the region
New snow may be forming fresh wind slabs near ridgetops
In times of uncertainty, stick to conservative terrain

Confidence

Low

We are uncertain about how quickly persistent slabs are gaining strength.
We are uncertain due to a highly variable snowpack.

Avalanche Summary

Thursday

Explosives triggered size 3 and 3.5 slabs near Sliding Mountain in the northeastern part of the region. Numerous size 2 to 2.5 wet loose avalanches were also observed across the entire region.

Wednesday

A widespread natural persistent slab avalanche cycle up to size 2.5 occurred. A few cornice falls were also reported.

Looking Forward

While natural avalanche occurrences are tapering off, human triggering potential remains.

Snowpack Summary

2 to 10 cm of new snow is expected on Saturday. This will bury a melt-freeze crust that is currently capping the snowpack on all but high-elevation northerly terrain.

The late January persistent weak layer, consisting of surface hoar/facets/crust, is currently buried 30 to 50 cm. This layer remains a significant concern, especially in the southern parts of the region.

The mid and lower snowpack is well settled.

Weather Summary

Friday Night

Mostly clear skies. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 2500 m falling to 1600 m.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy. 2 to 10 cm of snow. 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.

Sunday

Mix of sun and clouds. 5 to 15 cm of snow. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.

Monday

Mostly sunny. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Stay away from steep slopes, open slopes, and convex rolls at and below treeline where weak layers may be preserved.
Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
Start on smaller terrain features and gather information before committing to bigger terrain.
Remote triggering is a concern; avoid terrain where triggering overhead slopes is possible.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) in the middle to upper snowpack, when the bond to an underlying persistent weak layer breaks. Persistent layers include: surface hoar, depth hoar, near-surface facets, or faceted snow. Persistent weak layers can continue to produce avalanches for days, weeks or even months, making them especially dangerous and tricky. As additional snow and wind events build a thicker slab on top of the persistent weak layer, this avalanche problem may develop into a Deep Persistent Slab.

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.