Coquihalla

Reactive wind slabs will exist, particularly on steep, north- and east- facing slopes near ridgetop.

Riders were involved in a large (size 2) avalanche that they triggered on north-facing slopes off Nak-Thar col on Wednesday.

A small rider-triggered avalanche occurred near Needle Peak on Monday. See photo below.

Looking ahead, natural and human-triggered avalanches are expected in wind-loaded areas.

Observations have been limited in this region. Please consider sharing your observations to the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Since Saturday, 35 to 55 cm of snow has accumulated at upper elevations, while lower elevations saw mostly rain. Accompanied by strong to extreme southerly ridgetop winds, cornices and wind slabs have likely formed on lee northerly slopes while scouring windward southerly slopes.

Below treeline, a crust or moist snow will likely be observed on the surface.

Snow depths at treeline range from 140 cm in the Coquihalla to 85 cm near Manning Park.

Thursday Night

Cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.

Friday

Cloudy with 0 to 2 cm of snow. 10 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.

Saturday

Cloudy with 10 to 45 cm of snow. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 700 m rising to 1500 m.

Sunday

Cloudy with up to 20 cm of snow. 10 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1000 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.
• Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.
• Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.