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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 19th, 2026–Apr 20th, 2026

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 unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

Cariboos, South Columbia, Blue River, Clearwater, Esplanade, Jordan, North Monashee, North Selkirk, Shuswap, Badshot-Battle, Central Selkirk, Gold, North Okanagan, Whatshan.

Watch for changing conditions as you change aspect and elevation.

The highest danger will be on steep slopes either facing the sun, or where dry snow isn't sticking to the underlying crust.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain about how the timing or intensity of solar radiation will affect the snowpack.

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday, two large (sz 2) human triggered avalanches were reported in steep, alpine terrain, as well as several small dry loose avalanches. Also, several small to large (size 1-2) natural wet loose avalanches were reported on slopes facing the sun.

On Friday, riders triggered a few slab avalanches to size 1.5, mostly on steep open slopes around ridgelines.

On Thursday, riders triggered storm slab avalanches to size 2, on northerly aspects in the afternoon.

Snowpack Summary

At upper elevations, wind, sun, and spring temperatures continue to impact 20 to 40 cm of recent powder. Sun and rising freezing levels will turn snow moist during the day, warm temperatures overnight will likely prevent a strong crust from forming.

Below the recent snow is a hard crust that exists on all aspects to at least 2500 m.

The mid and lower snowpack is well settled and strong in most areas.

Check out this Conditions Update for tips on managing the current spring conditions.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Mostly clear skies. 1 mm of rain at treeline. 15-30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 6 °C. Freezing level 2800 m.

Monday

Mostly sunny. 15-30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline high 5 °C further northeast, 12 ° further southwest. Freezing level rising to 3100 m.

Tuesday

Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 4 mm of rain at treeline. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 7 °C. Freezing level 2900 m.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy. 3 to 5 mm of rain at treeline. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 2400 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid steep, sun-exposed slopes when the air temperature is warm or when solar radiation is strong.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.
  • Investigate the bond of the recent snow before committing to your line.
  • Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.

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.

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-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.