Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 10th, 2026–Apr 11th, 2026

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

North Columbia, North Rockies, McBride, Premier, Quesnel, Sugarbowl, Clemina, East Kakwa, Kakwa, McGregor, Pine Pass, Renshaw, Robson, Tumbler.

Wind slabs remain possible in lee features in the alpine, where the snow's surface is dry.

Avoid exposure to steep slopes if the surface becomes wet from light rain.

Confidence

Moderate

We are uncertain due to a limited number of field observations.
We are uncertain about how the timing or intensity of warming will affect the snowpack.

Avalanche Summary

Two large cornice failures were reported in the region on Thursday. Cornices are big this time of year, and sensitive to the warmth of the spring sun.

A few very small rider-triggered wet loose avalanches were observed on Wednesday on steep sun-exposed slopes.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 20 cm of snow overlies several thin crusts from previous warm temperatures and sun up to 2100 m.

A hard crust is buried 50 to 90 cm deep, but may remain exposed in wind-scoured alpine terrain. It extends up to at least 1500 m in the Rockies, and 2000 m in the Cariboos.

Below the crust, the snowpack is strong and well-bonded.

Weather Summary

Friday Night
Clear skies. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level range from 1700 m in the Pine Pass to 2400 m in Valemount.

Saturday
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 2 mm of rain at treeline. 10 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing levels range from 1500 m in the Pine Pass to 2100 m in Valemount.

Sunday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 2 cm of snow. 10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

Monday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 2 mm of rain at treeline. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Problems

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.

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.