Author: bharrison

Best & Worst of Times

For the BC Interior, the early-season snowpack situation has been a “best of time”- “worst of time” set of scenarios. The snowpack quality and quantity have been a bit of a dog’s breakfast. We have had the usual elevation-specific dividing line for both risk and riding quality. Earlier, there was a clear dividing line between precipitation types: rain at lower elevations and significant snowfall at higher elevations, resulting in good riding conditions in the alpine, but access was challenging.

There has also been an anomalous pattern in areas near Revelstoke and across the eastern ranges, with consistently heavy snowfall. Lake Louise is seeing a record-breaking start to the season, with the deepest early-season snowpack in 75 years. As of January 6, the Upper Mountain Base had recorded an impressive 533 cm of snowfall. Over Rogers Pass, ski touring has been defined by punishing trail-breaking, with seasonal totals sitting around 335 cm as of January 2^nd. A recent storm delivered up to 40 cm over the January 3^rd–4^th weekend, with another 10–20 cm expected in the following cycle.

Meanwhile, many areas west and south of Revelstoke have been receiving significant precipitation, but much of it has been rain. Our thoughts and support are with anyone affected by the heavy rainfall and atmospheric river events experienced throughout November, December and into January. The warm temperatures and heavy rain have raised concerns about a weakening snowpack for both recreational riders and professional guides. At times, Avalanche Canada has indicated that the avalanche hazard is significant and has posted the “Danger Rating” as high. Storm systems persisted from mid-December through the Christmas period, driving a rapid increase in mountain snowpack across much of the province. Drier and colder conditions during the final week of December reduced snow accumulation.

Most forecast models are pointing toward the development of a high-pressure ridge over western North America by mid-January, which isn’t great news for snow lovers. That said, more recent trends suggest the ridge may set up farther inland, leaving the door open for warm, moisture-laden storms to track into the BC Interior from the southwest. It’s still not an ideal pattern, as freezing levels and snow lines are expected to rise—especially along the Coast. That could mean rain for areas such as Whistler, the North Shore, and Vancouver Island later in the period as temperatures rise. The Interior will also see some warming, but it should be less pronounced than along the Coast, with precipitation amounts remaining more uncertain.

Northern zones, such as Revelstoke and Kicking Horse, are most likely to receive snow with this setup. While the base at Revelstoke might experience some rain at times, most of the skiable terrain should remain well above the rain–snow line. Further south, moisture appears more limited, reducing the potential for snowfall. As freezing levels rise, rain remains possible but should be pretty limited.

Overall, conditions should improve the farther inland you go and the higher you ascend, even as temperatures rise into early next week. Later in the month, the high-pressure ridge is forecast to move west, just off the coast. That positioning will likely block most storm systems, though it may also allow colder air to flow in from the north. Long-range guidance indicates limited moisture reaching BC, mainly affecting the Interior, with occasional light snowfall possible. At this stage, the systems appear moisture-starved, and a colder, drier pattern appears more likely.

When planning a backcountry winter trip, it’s worth taking advantage of the range of online tools now available to you and your group. Avalanche Canada’s Trip Planner is a solid resource when you’re deciding where to head for a day tour or a multi-day objective. One tool that’s newer to me—but has definitely caught my attention—is snowpack.avalanche.ca. While we wait for the snowpack to continue building, the depth filter has been an easy way to fixate on numbers. Many mapping apps now offer similar features, and it’s a good reminder of just how useful these digital tools have become for solid pre-trip planning.

As always, staying safe starts with staying informed, keeping communication open, and being willing to adapt as conditions change. Winter brings its challenges, but that’s part of what makes time in the mountains so rewarding. With a bit of planning and some honest decision-making, there’s still lots to enjoy while keeping risk in check. Make good calls, respect the backcountry, and aim for a season full of solid days out. Please recreate responsibly—and encourage others to do the same.

Brad Harrison, Colwest Alpine Adventures
Professional Member, Canadian Avalanche Association
Executive Director, Backcountry Lodges of BC Association

Between Storms & Structure?

I don’t have a very clear picture of the snowpack right now, mostly because I haven’t been out as much as I’d like. From what I can gather, we had some decent early-season snowfall through late October and early November before it dried up for a while. A warm spell in mid-November then formed a widespread rain crust, reaching an elevation of about 2100–2200 metres. That crust is now buried fairly deep, and it seems like most of what we’re dealing with now are various storm interfaces, with the occasional surface hoar layer lingering in more isolated treeline spots. With that broader context in mind, the immediate question is how the recent storms are building on this structure and what that means for travel and decision-making going forward. Indeed, the dynamics between storms & structure can significantly impact this process.

Looking ahead, a series of warm atmospheric river events loaded with subtropical moisture and strong winds is forecast to impact the Pacific Northwest and southern BC through approximately mid-December. While this should bring ample precipitation, warmer temperatures and winds are likely to continue complicating the snowpack, especially at lower and mid elevations. This situation illustrates how the recent storms are building on this structure by modifying existing layer stability. Beyond December 15, the longer-term outlook seems somewhat more promising, with signs that cooler air may eventually return to the region. However, the current warm spell may take some time to dissipate entirely.

We were out teaching an avalanche course behind Sun Peaks on Sunday, December 14th, which helped clarify some of this. Snow depths in that area averaged around 85 cm, with a relatively simple structure of two to three layers. One notable layer was a supportive crust at a depth of about 45–50 cm. However, what stood out more than the layering was the temperature. Even on shaded aspects, it was around +4 °C at 2050 metres. We encountered upside-down powder — not ideal for enjoyable riding. These findings show how between storms & structure, how changes affect riding conditions.

Conditions are clearly in transition, and it feels like winter is finally beginning to lean in. Most forecast areas expect a steady stream of precipitation through the weekend and into the coming week, which means the snowpack we’ve been discussing is about to be tested. As snow continues to accumulate, it’s prudent to step back and choose more conservative terrain while conditions adjust.

Although coverage at lower elevations remains limited, riding conditions at higher elevations have been quite good thus far, with relatively manageable avalanche risk in many areas. However, these conditions are evolving, and the approach that has worked so far might not be practical as the snowpack deepens. Clear, cold periods in mid to late November allowed weak layers to develop at the surface, including thin sun crusts, surface hoar, and facets reported across much of western Canada. In many regions, a November rain crust was later buried and has since developed facets above it. That layer is more likely to cause problems when rain falls on an already supportive snow surface, which is more common in lower-elevation alpine terrain. For now, the more recent layers at higher elevations in the snowpack appear to be the primary concern.

Recently, lighter snowfall has gradually accumulated on these weak layers. With more snow expected—and possibly intensifying—it wouldn’t take much to tip the balance towards more reactive slab conditions. As these weak layers become more deeply buried, the risk of wider propagation and remote triggering grows. How the recent storms are building on this structure becomes crucial for assessing avalanche risks.

In the near term, it’s wise to take a cautious approach. For now, keep things small and low risk, while closely monitoring snow conditions throughout the day. Below the treeline, coverage remains sparse in many areas, with rocks, stumps, and open creeks just beneath the surface. Fresh snow will make spotting these hazards more difficult, so it’s essential to plan your exits and travel routes as carefully as the descent itself.

Always check your favourite weather apps and online resources — sites like Windy.com and YR.no are good places to start — and make a habit of reviewing Avalanche Canada before heading out. If you’re planning to visit a backcountry lodge or hut and will be travelling without a guide, it’s worth taking the time to read through the BLBCA’s Recommendations for Self-Guided Groups. The purpose of that document is simple: to offer some common-sense practices that help keep people safe, without taking away from the stoke we’re all chasing when we head into the mountains. Having fun and being safe aren’t mutually exclusive.

Brad Harrison, Colwest Alpine Adventures
Professional Member, Canadian Avalanche Association
Executive Director, Backcountry Lodges of BC Association

La Niña or ENSO Neutral?

Last year’s weather forecast of a strong La Niña flow never really materialized. The winter of 2024/25 started with a bang, dried up mid-season, and recovered somewhat towards the end. By season’s end, we were left with a near-average snowfall throughout much of BC’s Interior. And, of course, there will always be exceptions across the province.

Looking ahead to the winter of 2025–2026, it’s shaping up to be another borderline season, much like last year. Current forecasts indicate a start to the winter with an ENSO (El Niño-Southern Oscillation)-neutral pattern, followed by a transition to a weaker La Niña pattern by the end of the season. Over the past month, ocean temperatures in a key area of the Pacific (the Niño-3.4 region) have been about half a degree cooler than usual.

This cooler trend—roughly 0.5°C below average—is expected to persist for several months, a sign that a La Niña pattern may be developing.

To sum it up, “most” of the weather experts feel that the early season in our region, Nov-Jan, will be ridge-dominant, providing lower to normal snowfall. In contrast, the mid-to-late season will see the ridge weaken, and a trough-dominant system develop over our area, resulting in above-normal snowfall. Always remember that long-range weather forecasts are inherently unreliable; they provide historical trends and “likelihoods.

As we move through December, it is worth providing a quick summary of snowpack variations across alpine, treeline, and below-treeline areas throughout the province. Avalanche Canada has started its daily forecasts. Make sure to check your local forecast as well as any Mountain Information Network reports that refer to areas adjacent to your riding destinations.

As you get ready for winter, take a moment to go over your gear and make sure everything’s in good working order—especially your transceiver. Even the pros regularly practice their companion rescue skills, so grab your touring partners and run a few drills together. Check that your tape, glue, spare batteries, and other essentials are all in good condition. And while you’re at it, when was the last time you re-glued your skins or gave your board or skis a fresh wax? A little prep now goes a long way once you’re out there.

We are fortunate in B.C. to have many resources, such as detailed weather forecasts, at our fingertips. Some of my go-tos resources include Avalanche Canada’s Mountain Weather Forecast, Windy.com, YR.NO, and DriveBC’s highway forecasts, which can also provide important information. You may want to consider taking an avalanche course or a refresher course with a local provider. Check out our own Know Before You Go, great info.

If you’re heading into the backcountry, including ducking a rope at a ski hill, make sure you’re well prepared and understand the avalanche danger ratings before you go. Understand what Avalanche Canada’s Public Avalanche Bulletin is trying to tell you. Know what each level means—High means natural avalanches are likely and human-triggered ones are very likely; Considerable means natural avalanches are possible, and human-triggered ones are likely; and Moderate means natural avalanches are unlikely but human-triggered ones are still possible. If you have done your research and are prepared, you are unlikely to be surprised. If you are uncertain, it’s always good practice to jump on a guided trip at a BLBCA member lodge or hire an independent, certified guide(s). You will benefit from their experience. Be sure to hire an ACMG– or CSGA-certified guide.

For safety, let’s stay informed, keep communication open, and be prepared to adjust your plans as conditions change. Winter always brings its share of challenges—but that’s part of the adventure. With thoughtful planning, we can enjoy everything the alpine has to offer while managing risk. Here’s to making wise choices, respecting the backcountry, and creating a winter full of great memories. And as always, please recreate responsibly—and encourage others to do the same.

Brad Harrison, Colwest Alpine Adventures
Professional Member, Canadian Avalanche Association
Executive Director, Backcountry Lodges of BC Association

SPAW Avalanche Warning BC: Ski Touring Risks and Snowpack Conditions

On February 28th, Avalanche Canada issued a Special Public Avalanche Warning (SPAW) due to several concerning factors. A recent, sustained cold snow snap provided ideal conditions for a significant layer of facets(weak layer) to develop in the snowpack. Strong winds accompanied and followed the cold temps; in some areas, those winds produced windslab conditions on top of the weak, faceted snow. Those wind slabs are reactive and can create significant propagation. That propagation is behind several large avalanches witnessed across BC’s interior, reminding us of the risks of ski touring in untracked snow.

Post-SPAW Avalanche Danger BC Interior: Weak Snowpack and Stormy Weather Risks

With the SPAW ending in BC’s Interior on March 7^th, dangerous conditions may persist in certain areas. Weak layers in the snowpack can continue to be a serious risk. Ski touring in untracked snow can be particularly hazardous during this period. Stormy weather may raise avalanche danger in some regions. Many areas will enter a period where triggering an avalanche is unlikely, but the consequences can be severe. Be mindful of the low probability-high consequence scenario. Weak layers often take a long time to heal. Please continue to be diligent, even as the avalanche danger ratings drop.

Pay attention; don’t ignore signs of increased avalanche danger, such as recent avalanches, whumpfs, or shooting cracks. As the weak layers get buried deeper, these warning signs may become less obvious, making it even more important to stay cautious. Be patient—don’t let ideal conditions or a lack of quality snow tempt you into risky ski touring in untracked snow or areas you might typically avoid. Terrain can be your friend; use it appropriately. Avoid terrain traps, thin, rocky areas in the start zone, and convex features, and limit your exposure to overhead hazards, such as cornices. A number of remotely triggered avalanches have been reported to run far and wide, even reaching non-avalanche terrain.

Conditions are tricky right now. New snow has bonded reasonably well at treeline and below, thanks to recent warm temperatures, but things get more complicated as you move higher. In alpine and exposed treeline areas, the snow isn’t settling nicely, and wind slabs are sitting on the weak February faceted layer, making these zones much more reactive. Ski touring in untracked snow in these areas demands extra caution.

Early 2025 BC Alpine Backcountry: Wind Slabs, Faceted Snowpack, Surface Hoar Risks

Lower elevations will develop crusty, less desirable riding conditions with temperatures returning to seasonal norms, while the alpine will offer better-quality snow. Backcountry riders will be enticed into alpine areas. However, the higher-elevation snowpacks haven’t stabilized as quickly as the lower-elevation areas. The added hazard of wind slabs and wind loading on the February facets in the alpine makes for a more complex snowpack. Reports of significant propagation on the faceted layer, which is up to 40 to 70 cm deep in certain areas, add another layer of concern—especially where a surface hoar layer has now formed and is sitting on top of the facets. While ski touring in untracked snow in the alpine may hold the best riding, it also demands extra caution and careful terrain management. Make good decisions.

We are all crossing our fingers for much more snow than usual this April. Perhaps we should sacrifice some of our old rock skis or snowboards to sway Ullr, the Norse god of snow, skiing (snowboarding wasn’t a thing then) and winter into being exceptionally generous and providing us with fresh and epic powder days. Have fun, ride safe and recreate responsibly during your ski touring adventures in untracked snow.

Brad Harrison, Colwest Alpine Adventures
Professional Member, Canadian Avalanche Association
Executive Director, Backcountry Lodges of BC Association

BC Ski Conditions Update: A Challenging Start to 2025: What Happened to La Niña?

The start of 2025 has been drier than usual in parts of British Columbia, with some areas experiencing early-season drought conditions. While lower elevations lack fresh snowfall, dedicated skiers and riders can still find quality turns in the backcountry. The key, as always, is knowing where to look.

Snowfall Has Been Highly Variable
This season has been defined by inconsistent snowfall across BC. While some areas have struggled with minimal accumulation, others have been hit with heavy dumps. A prime example is Crescent Spur Heliskiing, which received an impressive 40-60 cm in 30 hours, while nearby Tête Jaune saw only 2 cm in the same period. These drastic differences highlight the unpredictable nature of this year’s snowfall patterns.

Despite the lack of significant storms, Sun Peaks has done an excellent job maintaining skiable terrain. Their grooming team has been hard at work, ensuring the resort remains in top shape for visitors. While fresh powder may be limited, the well-maintained runs offer enjoyable skiing.

Backcountry Conditions: What to Watch For
For those venturing into the backcountry, there are both opportunities and hazards to keep in mind. Snow coverage varies significantly by region, and the snowpack is far from uniform. In the BC Interior, the snowpack tends to taper sharply as you descend into or below the treeline, making route selection crucial. The Purcell Mountains have remained relatively thin, while conditions in the Rockies are even more sparse, making glacier travel challenging. Skiers and riders should approach these areas cautiously and be prepared for tricky navigation over exposed terrain.

Another important factor this season is a persistent layer of buried surface hoar, which has been reactive in some areas but not in others. Regions like Rogers Pass have seen increased activity, mainly where wind slabs have formed. Travellers in avalanche terrain should carefully assess slope stability and check regional forecasts before heading out.

Navigating the Season Ahead
With such varied conditions, adaptability is key. If planning a backcountry trip, pay close attention to recent weather patterns and local snow reports. Avalanche forecasts remain critical, particularly with a spotty but potentially dangerous weak layer in play.

As we move further into the season, keep an eye on shifting snow conditions and be prepared for a mix of deep snow in some places and firm or shallow coverage in others. Whether inbounds or out in the backcountry, staying informed will help ensure safe and rewarding turns. Here’s to making the most of BC’s unpredictable winter!

Brad Harrison, Colwest Alpine Adventures
Professional Member, Canadian Avalanche Association
Executive Director, Backcountry Lodges of BC Association

Good for BC Skiers/Boarders?

The weather gurus are predicting that there is a 71% chance that we will experience a La Nina weather system this season. This shift can alter weather patterns, creating a northwest flow that funnels cold, moisture-laden air from the Pacific Ocean into BC, perhaps lots of snow for us to enjoy. For a detailed explanation of this winter’s La Nina forecast and how it might affect conditions at Sun Peaks, visit OpenSnow, written by meteorologist Alan Smith

As we move through November, a quick summary of the snowpack in the alpine and around the province is worth doing. We have seen yet another series of atmospheric rivers crash into the West Coast, and a couple of avalanche incidents were recently reported. Avalanche Canada will start its daily forecasts on November 21^st at 4:00 PM PST. Check your local forecast and any MIN reports that refer to the area around your riding destination.

Preparing for winter is a good time to inspect your gear; double-check that your transceiver is functioning properly. Industry professionals continually work on their companion rescue skills. Do some drills with your touring partners. Is your tape, glue, spare batteries, etc., and other gear in your pack all functioning as expected? When was the last time you re-glued your skin? Waxed your board or skis?

We are fortunate in Canada to have many resources, such as detailed weather forecasts, at our fingertips. Some of my go-tos are Windy.com and YR.NO, but DriveBC highway forecasts can provide important information. You may consider taking an avalanche course or a refresher with a local provider.

Be well prepared if you plan to head out into the backcountry. Understand what the avalanche danger ratings mean, particularly High – “natural avalanches are likely, human-triggered avalanches are very likely,” Considerable – “natural avalanches are possible, human-triggered avalanches are likely” and Moderate – “natural avalanches unlikely, human-triggered avalanches possible.”

In the spirit of safety, let’s stay informed, communicate effectively, and adapt our plans accordingly. Winter’s challenges are part of the adventure, and with a thoughtful approach, we can continue to enjoy our alpine environment while managing risks. Here’s to making wise decisions, respecting the backcountry and its residents, and ensuring an enjoyable, memorable, and safe winter season. Please remember to recreate responsibly and ask others to do the same.

If you are in the area, don’t miss Avalanche Canada’s 20^th Anniversary Party on November 15^th in Revelstoke. Join them for an evening of celebration, with appies, live music, and a chance to win a day’s heli-skiing courtesy of Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing: appies, live music, raffle, and a darn good time.

Brad Harrison, Colwest Alpine Adventures
Professional Member, Canadian Avalanche Association
Executive Director, Backcountry Lodges of BC Association

Variable across BC

If you are a winter backcountry traveller, take a minute to check out Avalanche Canada’s website. They issued a SPAW (Special Public Avalanche Warning) from Feb 29^th to Mar 7^th. Upon review, you will likely note the incredible diversity of avalanche conditions currently being observed across BC. Although colourful, this variety of conditions is problematic as backcountry riders plan their next excursions. While the Sun Peaks/Kamloops region currently sits in one of the few “moderate” (heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features) zones, one doesn’t need to travel very far east, north or west to find yourself either in a “considerable” (dangerous avalanche conditions) zone or “high” (very dangerous avalanche conditions) zone.

To summarize our winter, we started with very low precipitation amounts and generally warmer-than-average weather, although we did experience a few cold snaps. January continued to be relatively dry with a few smallish, short-lived snowfall periods; thank goodness for those. The lower-than-normal snowpack helped to create an early-season widespread, persistent weak layer(PWL) of facets near the base of the snowpack. Due to a lack of significant snow load on that weak layer, our region didn’t experience very many widespread issues. Other parts of BC were not so fortunate; the added snow load in the different areas increased the hazard.

Things seemed to be settling down until we experienced rainfall to mountaintops and very warm temps in early February. This combination of rain and warming temps predetermined the formation of a 10-20 cm crust, and a weak layer of facets eventually formed above the crust. All was relatively calm until most regions in BC received a crazy amount of snow in a short period at the end of Feb., I.e. the snowpack at the Little Bear weather station in the Coquihalla climbed from 159 cm on Feb 25^th to 265 cm on Feb 29^th. The rapid loading put a lot of stress on the buried weak layer(s), creating a widespread avalanche cycle. In many regions of BC, we now have a snowpack with multiple, persistent, weak layers under a significant load. These can be very reactive to natural or human-triggered loading, including smaller avalanches stepping down to deeper PWLs. Many backcountry travellers have noted the “propagation” quality of the current snowpack; avalanches can be remotely triggered from a significant distance.

Be well prepared if you plan to head out into the backcountry. Ensure your riding partners are prepared, have the right equipment, and know how to use it. Understand what the avalanche danger ratings mean, particularly High – “natural avalanches are likely, human-triggered avalanches are very likely,” Considerable – “natural avalanches are possible, human-triggered avalanches are likely” and Moderate – “natural avalanches unlikely, human-triggered avalanches possible.”

Please stay diligent as we head into the later part of a very interesting winter of variable weather. There are numerous resources that you may find handy. Avalanche Canada’s Avaluator is a made-in-Canada, rules-based decision-making planning tool which many find helpful. The Dangerator is a similar valuable tool in areas that have not yet been rated, utilizing the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale.

The riding conditions are excellent right now, with high-quality powder conditions. If you utilize good safety habits and are well-prepared, you can enjoy safe, rewarding backcountry experiences.

Brad Harrison, Colwest Alpine Adventures
Professional Member, Canadian Avalanche Association
Executive Director, Backcountry Lodges of BC Association

A Winter of Major Weather Swings

Navigating the snowpack this winter has been a rollercoaster ride of extremes. We find ourselves with a well-below-average snowpack for this time of year, with a complex puzzle of buried weak layers that have demanded our attention for a long time. Our recent encounter with an abnormal mid-winter warm spell resulted in conditions going from bad to worse. It presented a drastic change with rapid loading and warming to the snowpack, which produced a widespread natural avalanche cycle on all aspects and elevations across most of the province. As temperatures drop again, the soon-to-be-buried crust may become a persistent weak layer, requiring ongoing vigilance.

The silver lining is that once the temperatures return to normal, we may no longer have to worry about our previous persistent layers. The rain will likely have saturated the snowpack, and it will refreeze, locking up those persistent weak layers.

As we move forward, it’s crucial to recognize the evolving nature of our snowpack. The layers beneath our skis and boards are a dynamic landscape influenced by temperature fluctuations, snowfall patterns, and wind speeds. While we may not have the deepest snow cover at the moment, the quality and stability of what we have require careful consideration.

If you aren’t jazzed with the current riding conditions, this is a good time to take out your winter equipment and give it a once-over; double-check that your transceiver is functioning properly and everything else in your pack is good to go. Industry professionals continually work on their companion rescue skills and run scenarios frequently. Get outside and practice with your friends and touring partners to ensure everyone’s gear is in good shape and behaving as intended. Is your tape, glue, spare batteries, etc., and other gear in your pack all up-to-date? When was the last time you re-glued your skin? Waxed your board or skis?

This is a great time to run companion rescue drills with your riding partners. Test them, throw down some lunch money. The more prepared your friends or riding partners are, the more confident you can be in their ability to be ready to deal with any type of mishap, minor or major. There is never a bad time to practice any rescue skills.

We are fortunate in Canada to have many resources that are often free and can be helpful in your backcountry trip planning. Avalanche Canada is an amazing resource with many tools for winter backcountry riders to utilize. Some of my favourites are the Learn tab, the Trip Planner and the Mountain Information Network (MIN) tool. Take a few minutes and submit your own MIN report; the process is intuitive and helpful to other users. Find a weather app that works for you; many options exist. I normally utilize Windy.com and YR.NO, but DriveBC’s highway forecasts (mountain passes) and Avalanche Canada’s Mountain Weather Forecast can provide much necessary information. It’s never a bad idea to take an AST course, even if it’s a refresher.

In the spirit of safety, let’s stay informed, communicate effectively, and adapt our plans accordingly. Winter’s challenges are part of the adventure, and with a thoughtful approach, we can continue to enjoy the wonders of the mountain while managing risks. Here’s to making smart decisions, respecting the mountain environment, and ensuring a safe, memorable and enjoyable remainder of our winter season. Please remember to recreate responsibly.

Take good care and ride safe.