Avalanche forecast

Kootenay Boundary

Jan 13 – 14, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

6:45 AM Update: New snow and wind continue building fresh storm slabs and adding load to a persistent weak layer. Wet avalanches are possible at lower elevations.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1.5–3

    A weak layer of surface hoar buried 60 to 90 cm was the cause of numerous large avalanches last week. Remote triggering is a concern and avoiding overhead hazard is recommened.

  • Loose Wet

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

    Wet avalanches are possible at lower elevations. Avoid travelling above or within terrain traps.

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Storm snow has been adding up over the past few days. Up to 10 cm more is expected overnight Monday, and may fall as rain below 1700 m. Storm slabs will be especially reactive in wind loaded areas.

Confidence

Moderate

  • Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain.
  • Uncertainty is due to the fact that persistent slabs are particularly difficult to forecast.

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche activity has started to decrease since widespread very large avalanches were reported last week. Several persistent and storm slabs up to size 2.5 were reported on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, several storm slabs up to size 2 were reported, but no persistent slabs.

While reactive new storm slabs continue building, the persistent layer is starting to become stubborn to trigger.

Snowpack Summary

Ongoing snowfall on Monday night, combined with strong southwesterly winds, will continue building fresh storm slabs. These slabs are expected to be most reactive in wind-loaded areas. Wet snow is expected at lower elevations from rain.

A weak surface hoar layer currently buried 50 to 90 cm is also a concern in the region. It has been the failure layer in many recent avalanches. On south-facing slopes, this layer is a sun crust.

The remaining snowpack is generally well-bonded and consolidated, with multiple crust layers present.

Weather Summary

Monday Night
Cloudy. 2 to 15 cm of snow, possible rain below 1800 m. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.

Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level rising to 2600 m.

Wednesday
Mostly sunny. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level rising to 3500 m.

Thursday
Sunny. 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level around 1800 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
  • Be aware of the potential for remote triggering and large avalanches due to buried surface hoar.
  • If you are increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain, do it gradually as you gather information.
  • Avoid freshly wind-loaded terrain features.
  • Keep in mind that the high density of wet avalanches can make them destructive.

Regions covered