Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 3rd, 2026–Jan 4th, 2026

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

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.

Regions

Cariboos, South Columbia, Blue River, Jordan, North Monashee, North Selkirk, West Purcell, Badshot-Battle, Central Selkirk, Goat, Gold.

The danger will rise as new snow accumulates. If you see more than 30 cm of new snow, consider the hazard HIGH

Fall back to simple or on non-avalanche terrain as conditions worsen

Confidence

Moderate

Forecast precipitation (either snow or rain) amounts are uncertain.

Avalanche Summary

Jan 1

In the Monashees, a skier triggered a size 1.5 wind slab on a wind loaded roll in the alpine.

Dec 31

Several size 1 to 2 storm slabs were triggered with explosive control in the alpine.

Dec 30

A few small to large (size 1 - 2.5) wind slab avalanches were reported in the alpine.

Looking forward: The likelihood of both human and natural-triggered avalanches is expected to rise as precipitation accumulates overnight and through Sunday.

Snowpack Summary

10–20 cm of new snow is expected by Sunday afternoon, accompanied by southwesterly winds. Rain is possible at elevations below 1500 m, which could cause wet loose avalanches.

The new snow will add to the 10–25 cm that fell in the region on Saturday. The combined storm snow may be sitting on a weak layer of surface hoar in many areas, increasing the likelihood of developing slabs that may be more reactive and dangerous.

The prominent mid-December crust is buried up to 110 cm deep, and is present up to 2300 m. Triggering this layer is considered unlikely, except with large loads or in thin snowpack areas.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night
Cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

Sunday
Cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Monday
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 10 to 20 cm of snow. 45 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.
Use conservative route selection. Choose simple, low angle terrain with no overhead hazard.
Approach steep and open slopes at and below treeline cautiously, as buried surface hoar may exist.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-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.