Coquihalla

Strong southwest wind may form wind slabs below ridgetops in specific areas that receive more than 15 cm of new snow.

High

• We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast.

No recent avalanches have been reported.

15 to 25 cm snow and strong southwest wind may form wind slabs at upper elevations. The new snow overlies a persistent weak layer.

At treeline and above, this layer is primarily a hard crust with weak facets above and/or below.

In sheltered treeline locations and below, this layer may be a combination of hard crust and/or surface hoar.

The mid/lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong.

Snowpack depth ranges between 100 to 250 cm at treeline elevations.

Wednesday Night
Cloudy. 5 to 15 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

Thursday
Cloudy. 5 to 15 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Friday
Mostly cloudy. 0 to 5 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.

Saturday
Mix of sun and clouds. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 2100 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
• Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for slabs before you commit to it.
• Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.
• Cornices often break further back than expected; give them a wide berth when traveling on ridgetops.