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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 9th, 2026–Jan 10th, 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 possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

Kootenay Boundary, Purcells, Bonnington, Grohman, Kootenay Pass, Norns, Ymir, Crawford, St. Mary, Kokanee, Retallack, Valhalla, Whatshan.

A persistent weak layer remains a primary concern for the region.

It's a good time to stick to conservative terrain and avoid overhead hazards.

Confidence

Moderate

  • Uncertainty is due to how quickly the snowpack will recover and gain strength.
  • The number, quality, or consistency of field observations is good, and supports our confidence.

Avalanche Summary

A widespread natural avalanche cycle occurred earlier in the week, with very large avalanches up to size 3 reported. Numerous human and remote-triggered avalanches up to size 2.5 were also observed. While activity has decreased since Thursday, several size 2 avalanches continue to occur.

This activity confirms a reactive weak layer with ongoing potential for remote triggering—conservative terrain choices are strongly recommended.

Snowpack Summary

A weak surface hoar layer buried 30 to 80 cm is the primary concern in the region. It has been the failure layer in many recent avalanches. On south-facing slopes, this layer is a sun crust.

Recent and forecast winds are forming wind slabs on leeward slopes at upper elevations.

A melt-freeze crust can be found down 100 to 150+ cm. It is thin or absent in alpine terrain but thicker and more widespread at treeline and below. Triggering this layer is considered unlikely at this time.

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

Weather Summary

Friday Night
Mostly cloudy. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Saturday
Mix of sun and clouds. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 10 to 20 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Monday
Mostly cloudy. 10 to 30 cm of snow. 35 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level rising to 1500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be aware of the potential for larger than expected storm slabs due to buried surface hoar.
  • Remote triggering is a big concern, be aware of the potential for wide propagations and large, destructive avalanches at all elevations.
  • Start with conservative terrain and watch for signs of instability.
  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind-affected terrain.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) in the middle to upper snowpack, when the bond to an underlying persistent weak layer breaks. Persistent layers include: surface hoar, depth hoar, near-surface facets, or faceted snow. Persistent weak layers can continue to produce avalanches for days, weeks or even months, making them especially dangerous and tricky. As additional snow and wind events build a thicker slab on top of the persistent weak layer, this avalanche problem may develop into a Deep Persistent Slab.

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.