Avalanche forecast

North Columbia

Apr 10 – 11, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

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.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Expect wind slabs to remain possible along ridge crests and lee features where the snow is still dry.

  • Loose Wet

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

    High freezing levels will mean wet loose avalanches may be reactive to human triggers at lower elevations or during periods of light rain.

    Avoid exposure to steep overhead hazards where the surface has become soft and wet.

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.

Regions covered