Avalanche forecast

North Columbia

Feb 21 – 22, 2025Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Carefully assess local conditions, as new snow, wind, and warming temperatures could increase avalanche danger throughout the day.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    A combination of new snow, wind, and mild temperatures will increase the likelihood of wind slab formation.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2.5

    Weak layers from recent dry, clear, and cold conditions persist within the upper 80 cm of snow. These layers could become more reactive with the added stress of new snow and warming temperatures.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

Over the past week, several small avalanches (mostly size 1 to 1.5) have been reported throughout the region, both natural and human-triggered. The prevailing trend shows persistent slab avalanches, primarily on southerly-facing aspects, ranging from 20 to 50 cm in depth, while wind slabs have occured on mostly northerly-facing terrain, typically 20 to 30 cm deep.

Snowpack Summary

New snow on Friday will continue to accumulate atop layers of surface hoar in sheltered terrain and a thin crust on sun-affected slopes, approximately 20 to 30 cm below the surface.

Below these layers, the upper snowpack is largely faceted and poorly bonded with another layer of surface hoar in sheltered terrain and a thin crust on sun-affected slopes. This layer, buried in late January, varies in depth but generally exists within the upper 80 cm of snow.

The mid and lower snowpack is generally well-settled and strong.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Cloudy. 10 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Friday

Cloudy with 2 to 8 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Saturday

Cloudy with up to 20 cm of snow. 30 to 60 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level rising to 1800 m.

Sunday

Cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of snow. 20 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Pay attention to the wind; once it starts to blow, sensitive wind slabs are likely to form.
  • Avalanche danger is expected to increase throughout the day.
  • Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.

Regions covered