Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 26th, 2025–Mar 27th, 2025

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 possible, human triggered probable.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

Blue River, Clearwater, Premier, Clemina, North Monashee.

The snowpack is untrustworthy after going through dramatic weather fluctuations. Conservative low-angle routes are recommended.

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

Large storm and persistent slab avalanches (size 2 to 3) were reported on Monday on Tuesday, along with some large cornice failures. Most activity was on north-facing slopes. Wet loose avalanches were also observed on Tuesday and likely continued during the warm weather on Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 15 cm of new snow may accumulate by Thursday afternoon. Recent warming and rain have likely soaked the upper snowpack at treeline elevations, while some dry snow may exist on shaded alpine slopes.

There is a significant concern that small avalanches willl step down to deeper persistent weak layers. These consist of surface hoar, facets, or a crust:

The early March layer down 50 to 100 cm. This is the primary weak layer of concern.
Mid-Feb & Late-Jan layers down 80 to 180 cm. These layers could be triggered with heavy loads like a cornice fall or a smaller avalanche in motion.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Cloudy with 1 to 5 cm of snow above 1600 m. 20 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.

Thursday

Cloudy with 10 to 15 cm of snow. 30 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level drops from 2000 m to 1000 m.

Friday

Mostly cloudy with 5 cm of snow. 10 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Saturday

Cloudy with 10 to 20 cm of snow. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

In times of uncertainty, conservative terrain choices are our best defense.
Stick to simple terrain or small features with limited consequence.
Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain; avalanches may run surprisingly far.
Avoid travelling on slopes below cornices.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) in the middle to upper snowpack, when the bond to an underlying persistent weak layer breaks. Persistent layers include: surface hoar, depth hoar, near-surface facets, or faceted snow. Persistent weak layers can continue to produce avalanches for days, weeks or even months, making them especially dangerous and tricky. As additional snow and wind events build a thicker slab on top of the persistent weak layer, this avalanche problem may develop into a Deep Persistent Slab.

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.

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.