Avalanche forecast

Northwest Inland

Mar 24 – 25, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 6 months ago

Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate

Highlights

Wind slabs can step down to deeply buried weak layers, creating very large avalanches.

Choose smaller, low-consequence terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    New snow accompanied by easterly winds on Tuesday has formed wind slabs in lee areas. Recent winds have varied in direction, so be cautious of wind-loaded pockets on all aspects.

  • Cornices

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

    Cornices are large, looming, and may trigger large persistent slabs on slopes below.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3.5

    Persistent weak layers of crusts/facets or surface hoar in the top 200 cm of the snowpack may be possible to trigger where there is not a thick crust under the recent snow.

Confidence

Low

  • We are uncertain due to a limited number of field observations.

Avalanche Summary

Observations in this region are very limited. If you head out into the backcountry, let us know what you're seeing by submitting a MIN report.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 15 cm of new snow on Tuesday evening was accompanied by easterly winds, creating wind slabs in open areas. Below the recent snow are a variety of surfaces, including small surface hoar, facets, crusts, and wind-scoured snow.

There are multiple persistent weak layers consisting of crust/facets or surface hoar in the top 200 cm of the snowpack.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Mostly cloudy. 5 cm of snow. 15 to 30 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -13 °C.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy. 1 to 2 cm of snow. 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.

Thursday

Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 4 cm of snow. 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -13 °C.

Friday

Mix of sun and clouds. 3 to 4 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Stay off recently wind loaded slopes until they have had a chance to stabilize.
  • Avoid steep, rocky, and wind-affected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
  • Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
  • Cornice failures could trigger large and destructive avalanches.

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