Avalanche forecast

South Columbia

Jan 2 – 3, 2025Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

A dangerous weak layer is deep in the snowpack.

While it is improving, investigate if it's a problem in your area before committing to large terrain features.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slabs may have formed on leeward slopes and in cross-loaded terrain.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3

    Large persistent slab avalanches continue to occur. It has been most reactive on north through east slopes between 1700 and 2300 m. Most activity has been in the east of the forecast area.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Large persistent slab avalanches continue to occur sporadically on the weak layer buried in early December. This problem is starting to improve but deserves patience and continued vigilance.

Snowpack Summary

Expect to find 20 to 50 cm of settling snow in sheltered areas and wind slabs on lee slopes. On sun-affected slopes, soft snow covers a melt-freeze crust.

A concerning layer of facets, crusts, and/or surface hoar is buried 60 to 110 cm. It will most likely be a problem on north through east aspects between 1700 and 2300 m.

Treeline snow depths range from 100 to 180 cm.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy with up to 2 cm of snow. 10 to 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.

Thursday

Cloudy with up to 3 cm of snow. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.

Friday

Mostly cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow. 20 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Saturday

Cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

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.
  • Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
  • Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.

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