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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 21st, 2025–Jan 22nd, 2025

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

Regions

North Columbia, South Columbia, Blue River, Premier, Clemina, Esplanade, Jordan, North Monashee, North Selkirk, Badshot-Battle, Central Selkirk, Goat, Gold, Kokanee, Retallack, Valhalla, Whatshan.

Wind slabs in exposed terrain are the main concern. In some areas these slabs may be sitting on a weak layer of surface hoar leading to increased reactivity.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche activity over the past few days has been reported as wind slabs both natural and rider triggered size 1-2 in the alpine. At least one of these was reported to run on a layer of surface hoar buried in early January on a southwest aspect in the alpine.

Snowpack Summary

The snow surface is likely wind affected in open areas at all elevations.

20 to 50 cm of snow since early January has been slowly settling on a layer of weak surface hoar crystals that exists into the alpine. This layer has most recently only been reactive where wind slabs have formed above it.

A crust/facet/surface hoar layer from early December may be found 90 to 160 cm deep. Avalanche activity on this layer has tapered in recent weeks.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries, accumulation 1 to 3 cm. 25 to 55 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline high temperature -11 °C.

Wednesday

Mainly cloudy with sunny breaks. 20 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline high temperature -8 °C.

Thursday

Mainly cloudy with scattered flurries, accumulation 3 to 5 cm. 15 to 35 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline high temperature -7 °C.

Friday

Mainly cloudy. 30 to 45 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline high temperature -7 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.
  • Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
  • Be aware of the potential for remote triggering and large avalanches due to buried surface hoar.

Problems

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.