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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 8th, 2025–Jan 9th, 2025

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Cariboos, North Rockies, McBride, Quesnel, Sugarbowl, East Kakwa, Kakwa, McGregor, Pine Pass, Renshaw, Robson, Tumbler.

Avalanche danger will be the highest where there is loose, recent snow being blown into slabs by the wind.

Snowfall and wind have varied around the region, so verify conditions in your area.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Tuesday, west of McBride, 20 cm thick wind slab avalanches were easily triggered and propagating widely on east facing slopes, but still only size 1.

We expect that larger, equally reactive wind slabs formed in places that got significant snow on Tuesday night.

If you are getting out in the backcountry, consider making a post on the MIN (Mountain Information Network).

Snowpack Summary

Strong wind will likely continue to form the recent snow into fresh wind slabs in the alpine and treeline. This covers 10 to 40 cm of faceted snow (weak, sugary crystals). The middle and lower snowpack consists of rounds and a few crust layers, these are of no concern at this time.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy. 25 to 35 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Thursday

Cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow in the north end of the forecast area. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level rising to 1500 m plus a possible above freezing layer around 2000 m.

Friday

Mostly cloudy with 15-30 cm of snow. Less on the east slopes of the rockies. 30 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop winds, lighter on the east slopes of the rockies. Above freezing layer breaking down, freezing level dropping back to 1250 m. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy with up to 10 cm of snow. 30 to 60 km/h northwest ridgetop winds, lighter on the east slopes of the rockies. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Stay off recently wind loaded slopes until they have had a chance to stabilize.
  • Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
  • Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.