Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 8th, 2026–Jan 9th, 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 possible, human triggered probable.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

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

Very large and destructive avalanches have occurred in the region

It's a good time to stick to conservative terrain choices and back off even further if you see signs of instability

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 in the region over the last few days, with very large avalanches up to size 3 reported.

Numerous human-triggered and remote-triggered avalanches have also occurred in the region up to size 2.5.

Looking forward: The recent avalanche activity indicates a very reactive weak layer with potential for remotely triggering large and dangerous avalanches. This is a good time to stick to conservative terrain.

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 may be 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

Thursday Night
Partly cloudy. 2 to 4 cm of snow. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Friday
Cloudy. 1 to 4 cm of snow. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Saturday
Mostly sunny. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.

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

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.