Avalanche forecast

North Columbia

Apr 16 – 17, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Check for reactive pockets around ridgelines and steep entrances. Watch the sun and be mindful of the snowpack warming on solar slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–3

    Cornices are large, looming, and can trigger large avalanches on the slopes below.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Watch for winds leaving more reactive pockets in lee features. Strong solar radiation may increase the cohesion and reactivity of loose snow, especially on steep slopes in the alpine.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–1.5

    Watch for sunny skies and warm spring temperatures to trigger wet loose avalanches on solar slopes and lower elevations.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain due to a limited number of field observations.
  • We are uncertain whether the wind will be enough to form new wind slabs.

Avalanche Summary

On Tuesday, a large persistent slab avalanche was triggered by riders in the Omineca Mountains, to the northwest of this forecast region. A group of two snowmobilers triggered the avalanche; one did not survive. More information can be found here.

No new avalanches have been reported in this region over the last few days. 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.

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.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy. 1 to 2 cm of snow. 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Friday

Mix of sun and clouds. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Saturday

Mostly sunny. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C.

Sunday

Mix of sun and clouds. 1 mm of rain at treeline. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid steep, sun-exposed slopes when the air temperature is warm or when solar radiation is strong.
  • Avoid steep, rocky, and wind-affected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
  • 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.
  • Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.

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