Avalanche forecast

Kispiox

Jan 18 – 19, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 8 months ago

Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

As the surface crust breaks down the likelihood of triggering an avalanche will increase.

It is uncertain how the continued warmth will affect the snowpack so watch for signs of instability.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Expect to encounter new wind slabs near ridgecrests. Past winds have been strong and from the southwest, it may be possible to find wind slabs lower on lee aspects terrain, in locations that you would not typically expect.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

    A buried layer of surface hoar on a crust is particularly concerning in the north of this region.

    This layer may become more reactive as the warm air lingers.

  • Loose Wet

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

    Steep south aspect terrain will begin to destabilize when temperatures rise and the sun is out.

    Consider avoiding these features during daytime warming.

Confidence

Moderate

  • Uncertainty is due to the fact that persistent slabs are particularly difficult to forecast.
  • Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

Avalanche Summary

January 16

  • A large (size 2) natural cornice triggered avalanche was reported on a northwest aspect.

January 14

  • A natural avalanche cycle was reported, with small (size 1) wet avalanches at lower elevations and large (up to size 2.5) wind or persistent slab avalanches in the treeline and alpine.

Snowpack Summary

80 to 150 cm of snow fell recently throughout the region. The snow has been heavily redistributed by strong southerly winds at upper elevations and has settled from warm temperatures at all elevations.

At treeline and below, recent rain and warm temperatures may have affected the surface snow. As temperatures cool this warm and wet snow has formed a stout melt freeze crust.

A layer of surface hoar is buried 40 to 70 cm deep in sheltered treeline features.

The mid and lower snowpack is well settled with no current layers of concern. Treeline snow depths throughout the region range from 150 cm to 250 cm.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night
Clear skies. 10 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 4 °C. Freezing level 2900 m.

Sunday
Sunny. 10 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 4 °C. Freezing level 3100 m.

Monday
Mostly sunny. 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 2 °C. Freezing level 3100 m.

Tuesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 10 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 2400 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • The more the snowpack warms up and weakens, the more conservative your terrain selection should be.
  • Avoid steep, sun-exposed slopes when the air temperature is warm or when solar radiation is strong.
  • Keep in mind that human triggering may persist as natural avalanches taper off.

Regions covered