Avalanche forecast

North Columbia

Apr 16 – 17, 2025Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

Avalanche activity is more likely as sun and rising temperatures affect the snowpack.

Minimize your exposure to cornices, and steep south facing slopes in the heat of the day.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Recent winds have varied, watch for small but reactive wind slabs on all aspects. Greatest reactivity is expected where slabs form over a crust.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3.5

    Surface hoar has produced large and remotely triggered avalanches, primarily on sheltered, north-facing alpine slopes in the Selkirks. On south-facing slopes, this layer may exist as a crust.

  • Loose Wet

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

    Rising temperatures and strong sunshine will increase potential for wet avalanches. Warming will be most intense on steep south facing slopes, especially near rocks.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Size 2-3 persistent slab avalanches have occurred this week in the Selkirks to natural and remote triggers. Activity has been primarily observed in north facing, alpine terrain features.

Cornice falls continue to be reported, triggering size 2-3 avalanches on the slopes below.

Small loose wet avalanches continue on steep south-facing slopes in the afternoon.

Snowpack Summary

Expect to find dry snow on high north-facing slopes, crust or moist snow at lower elevations and on south facing slopes, and hard, wind-affected snow in exposed areas.

Surface hoar 30 to 70 cm deep has been reactive in the Selkirks this week. This layer is most likely to be found on sheltered north-facing slopes between 2200 and 2600 m.

The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong, with older weak layers buried 100–250 cm deep. Large triggers, like cornice collapses, could trigger these deeper layers, especially on high, shaded slopes.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Clear skies. 20 to 30 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Freezing level drops to 500 m.

Thursday

Mostly clear. 20 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature rises to 0 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.

Friday

Clear skies. 15 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature rises to +7 °C. Freezing level 2800 m.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy with 5-10 cm of snow above 2000 m. 15 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind.

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.
  • Rocks will heat up with daytime warming and may become trigger points for loose wet avalanches.
  • Be aware of the potential for remote triggering and large avalanches due to buried surface hoar.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

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