Avalanche forecast

Northwest Inland

Jan 3 – 4, 2025Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

There is potential for large avalanches to be triggered, particularly in wind-loaded areas near ridgetops.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Be especially cautious as you transition into wind-affected terrain.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    A widespread crust with weak crystals overtop is buried 30-70 cm deep. This problem is specific to areas where a cohesive slab has formed over the layer, for example wind-loaded features.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Our field team observed a few small wind slabs in the Sinclair area on Wednesday, and several large slab avalanches up to size 2 in the Telkwas on Monday. These all occurred mostly on wind-loaded leeward slopes, with the larger ones failing on the December crust (for more details click the photos below).

Looking forward, we expect both wind slabs and persistent slabs to remain a problem over the coming days.

Snowpack Summary

Widespread wind effect can be found in the alpine and open treeline areas. This includes sastrugi in some areas and hard wind slabs. Recent winds have varied in direction so wind slabs may exist on all aspects.

Soft snow can still be found in sheltered lower elevation terrain, and in the trees.

A significant weak layer can be found across the region, buried 30 to 70 cm, depending on wind loading patterns. This layer is made of weak facets overlying a hard crust. We expect this layer to persist as a problem, especially as it gets buried deeper.

The remainder of the snowpack is well settled and bonded.

Weather Summary

Thursday night

Mostly cloudy with 0 to 2 cm of snow. 30 to 40 km/ southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -18 °C.

Friday

Sunny above 2000 m, valley cloudy below. 25 to 30 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Inversion; treeline temperature -15 °C, alpine -10 °C.

Saturday

Sunny above 1500 m, valley cloudy below. 10 to 25 km/h south ridgetop wind. Inversion; treeline temperature -15 °C, alpine temperature -10 °C.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy. 15 to 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Recent wind has varied in direction, so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
  • Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.

Regions covered