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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 20th, 2026–Apr 21st, 2026

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
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.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Cariboos, South Columbia, Blue River, Clearwater, Esplanade, Jordan, North Monashee, North Selkirk, Shuswap, Badshot-Battle, Central Selkirk, Gold, North Okanagan, Whatshan.

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

High

  • The snowpack structure is well understood.

Avalanche Summary

On Sunday, northwest of Revelstoke, a large (size 2) human triggered slab avalanche was reported on a northeast aspect in the alpine (see photo below). Also, a widespread large (up to size 2.5) natural wet loose avalanche cycle was reported on steep slopes facing the sun.

On Saturday, two large (size 2) human triggered avalanches were reported in steep, alpine terrain, as well as several small to large (size 1-2) dry and wet loose avalanches.

Snowpack Summary

At upper elevations, wind, sun, and spring temperatures continue to impact 30 to 60 cm of recent powder. Sun and rising freezing levels will turn snow moist during the day, warm temperatures overnight will likely prevent a strong crust from forming.

The recent snow sits on a hard crust on all aspects to at least 2500 m.

The mid and lower snowpack is well settled and strong.

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

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Partly cloudy. 1 mm of rain at treeline. 20-40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline high 6 °C further northeast, 14 ° further southwest. Freezing level 2900 m.

Tuesday

Mostly sunny. 1 mm of rain at treeline. 10-25 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline high 6 °C further northeast, 14 ° further southwest. Freezing level 2900 m.

Wednesday

Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 3 mm of rain at treeline. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 2400 m.

Thursday

Mostly sunny. 2 to 4 cm of snow. 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.
  • Avoid lee and cross-loaded slopes in the alpine.
  • Avoid steep, sun-exposed slopes when the air temperature is warm or when solar radiation is strong.
  • 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.