Avalanche forecast

Northwest Coastal

Dec 19 – 20, 2025Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

Areas where the surface or near surface snow has been affected by the wind are most likely to be a concern.

Consider the hazard to be increasing if you see wind moving snow into lee features.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Variable wind direction has made the potential for wind slabs to be on any aspect.

    Immediate lee features are of greatest concern.

Snowpack Summary

30 to 70 cm of recent snow was accompanied by strong wind. In sheltered areas, the snow may rest on a weak layer of surface hoar.

The mid and lower snowpack are uncomplicated and relatively deep for the time of year. Snowpack depths in excess of 300 cm can be found at treeline elevations.

Confidence

Moderate

  • Uncertainty is due to limitations in the field data.

Avalanche Summary

  • On Wednesday explosive avalanche control produced small (up to size 1.5) wind slab avalanches at treeline.

  • On Monday explosive avalanche control produced large avalanches (up to size 2.5) and also noted sympathetic avalanches.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night
Mostly clear skies. 10 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -17 °C.

Friday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 cm of snow. 10 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -18 °C.

Saturday
Mostly sunny. 10 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -20 °C.

Sunday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 cm of snow. 10 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -21 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Keep in mind that human triggering may persist as natural avalanches taper off.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction, so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.

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