Avalanche forecast

Northwest Inland

Jan 10 – 11, 2025Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

Wind slab or wet snow avalanches have potential to step down to buried weak layers, resulting in large, consequential avalanches.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    New snow and strong ridgetop winds have been building wind slabs. Watch for blowing snow and avoid leeward slopes.

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    A widespread crust with weak crystals overtop is buried 40-80 cm deep. While this layer exists on all aspects, it's most likely to be triggered on wind-loaded slopes.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    There is potential for loose wet avalanches at elevations where temperatures remain above zero and precipitation falls as rain.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Thursday, pinwheeling was observed in the moist snow around 1400 m. On Wednesday, several wind slab avalanches size 1.5 to 2 were reported on east aspects in the alpine. Some were cornice-triggered and one was noted to have stepped down the persistent weak layer.

Snowpack Summary

Light snowfall continues to be redistributed by west wind. Recent snowfall has been variable throughout the region, between 10 and 40 cm since the start of the week. Below 1200 m, the snow surface may be moist, wet or crusty.

The recent snow may cover a thin sun crust on south to west facing slopes.

A significant weak layer is buried 40 to 80 cm deep, composed of weak facets overlying a crust. With additional new snow and wind-loading, this layer may be reactive.

The remainder of the snowpack is well-settled and bonded.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Cloudy with around 5 cm of snow. 60 to 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

Friday

Cloudy with around 5 cm of snow. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1300 m.

Saturday

A mix of sun and cloud. 40 to 60 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level valley bottom.

Sunday

Mostly sunny. 20 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level valley bottom.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid freshly wind-loaded features, especially near ridge crests, rollovers, and in steep terrain.
  • Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
  • A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.

Regions covered