Wind Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–2.5
Strong southerly winds have created wind slabs. Look for signs of wind loading and avoid those features.
Avalanche forecast
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Jan 4 – 5, 2026Avalanche Canada
Archived · expired 9 months ago
Avalanche danger
Tue
Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Highlights
Avoid wind loaded features as they may still be triggered by riders.
Seek out sheltered terrain where the best and safest riding hides.
Avalanche problems
Confidence
High
- Confidence is due to a stable weather pattern with little change expected.
Avalanche Summary
In Sinclair on Thursday, the field team saw several large (size 2-2.5) wind slab avalanches that failed on facets underneath the recent storm snow and wind loading. Likely occurring within the past 48 hours, on east to northeast aspects.
One size 2 avalanche was reported on a south face at 1500m in the Seaton area on Tuesday.
Snowpack Summary
5 to 15 cm of recent snow overlies heavily wind affected snow in exposed areas. A layer of sugary facets is buried around 50 cm deep and is slowly improving. Below 1300 m there is a crust near the surface.
The mid and lower snowpack has no layers of concern.
Snowpack depths are generally around 150-200 cm deep at treeline.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy. 1 cm of snow. 10 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 1 cm of snow. 10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Monday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 2 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -11 °C.
Tuesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 5 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for areas of hard wind slab on alpine features.
- Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.
- Avoid slopes that sound hollow or drum-like.