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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 19th, 2026–Apr 20th, 2026

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
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, North Rockies, McBride, Premier, Quesnel, Sugarbowl, Clemina, East Kakwa, Kakwa, McGregor, Pine Pass, Renshaw, Robson, Tumbler.

Watch for changing conditions as you change aspect and elevation.

The highest avalanche danger will be on wind-loaded slopes, and steep slopes seeing intense spring sun.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain due to a limited number of field observations.
  • We are uncertain about how the timing or intensity of solar radiation will affect the snowpack.

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday, north of Blue River, a small (size 1-1.5) natural wet loose avalanche cycle was reported on steep slopes facing the sun.

Observations are currently very limited in this region. Please consider submitting a MIN to let us know what you're seeing out there.

Snowpack Summary

At upper elevations, wind, sun, and spring temperatures continue to impact 20 to 40 cm of recent powder. Sun and rising freezing levels will turn snow moist during the day, warm temperatures overnight will prevent a crust from forming.

Below the recent snow, a hard crust exists on all aspects to at least 2500 m.

The mid and lower snowpack is well settled and strong in most areas.

Check out this Conditions Update for tips on managing the current spring conditions.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Mostly cloudy. 1 mm of rain at treeline. 30-65 km/h west ridgetop wind, with the highest speeds showing up further north and east. Treeline temperature 2 °C. Freezing level 2200 m.

Monday

Mostly cloudy. 30-65 km/h west ridgetop wind, with the highest speeds showing up further north and east. Treeline high 5 °C. Freezing level rising to 2500 m.

Tuesday

Mix of sun and clouds. 2 to 10 mm of rain at treeline. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 4 °C. Freezing level 2300 m.

Wednesday

Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 3 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Avoid steep, sun-exposed slopes when the air temperature is warm or when solar radiation is strong.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.
  • Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.

Problems

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.

Loose Wet

Loose Wet avalanches are the release of wet unconsolidated snow or slush. These avalanches typically occur within layers of wet snow near the surface of the snowpack, but they may quickly gouge into lower snowpack layers. Like Loose Dry Avalanches, they start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-wet avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs. Loose Wet avalanches can trigger slab avalanches that break into deeper snow layers.

Cornices

Cornice Fall is the release of an overhanging mass of snow that forms as the wind moves snow over a sharp terrain feature, such as a ridge, and deposits snow on the downwind (leeward) side. Cornices range in size from small wind drifts of soft snow to large overhangs of hard snow that are 30 feet (10 meters) or taller. They can break off the terrain suddenly and pull back onto the ridge top and catch people by surprise even on the flat ground above the slope. Even small cornices can have enough mass to be destructive and deadly. Cornice Fall can entrain loose surface snow or trigger slab avalanches.