Coquihalla

Natural avalanches are unlikely but small, isolated rider triggerable wind slabs could exist.

Stepping out into big terrain with good travel habits and group management is appropriate.

Moderate

• Uncertainty is due to rapidly fluctuating freezing levels.

On Tuesday numerous natural, wet loose avalanches up to size 2 were observed. These avalanches occurred in steep, rocky south facing terrain.

Surface snow conditions are variable. On steep, sun-exposed slopes, a new crust is present and may soften with solar input. On north-facing slopes at treeline and above, 20 cm of wind-affected snow can be found.

The mid December crust is 150 to 250 cm deep. This crust is 30 cm thick and well bonded to the snow above.

In general, the snowpack is well settled and right-side up.

Wednesday Night

Clear skies. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 2800 m.

Thursday

Mix of sun and clouds. 2 cm of snow possible at treeline. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 2100 m.

Friday

Mostly cloudy. 4 to 10 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1300 m.

Saturday

Cloudy. 10 to 30 cm of snow. 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Pay attention to isolated wind affected features in the alpine, as well as cross-loaded features at treeline.
• Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.