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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 28th, 2025–Jan 29th, 2025

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

Regions

Cariboos, North Columbia, South Columbia, Blue River, Clearwater, Premier, Quesnel, Clemina, Esplanade, Jordan, North Monashee, North Selkirk, Central Selkirk, Gold.

Cooling temperatures may help to stabilize the upper snowpack, but remain cautious of reactive wind slabs on steep terrain near ridgetops.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

Widespread sluffing in steep, south-facing, high alpine terrain was reported over the weekend, during periods of direct sun.

Several wind slab avalanches have been reported in recent days, triggered by a variety of factors. Most of the avalanches have occurred around ridge crests and on multiple aspects. Notably, some slabs failed on a buried surface hoar layer, located 30 to 40 cm deep.

Snowpack Summary

Widespread surface hoar growth has taken place recently, particularly around treeline elevations and below. A crust can be found on the surface of all south or sun-affected terrain. Where sheltered from the wind, snow surfaces are a mix of old wind effect and low-density faceted snow.

Dry January conditions have created a weak, faceted upper snowpack with multiple surface hoar and crust layers within the upper 50 cm. These layers have shown signs of reactivity in areas where a cohesive slab has formed above.

The mid and lower snowpack remains generally well-settled and strong, with no current concerns or significant instability noted.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Mostly clear skies. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Friday

Mostly cloudy with 10 to 20 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
  • Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
  • Limit exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.

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.