Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Coquihalla, Manning, Skagit.
Wind slabs may still be reactive at upper elevations.
Pay attention to changing conditions with elevation and aspect.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanches have been reported, but observations are currently very limited in the region.
Looking forward, we expect wind slabs will be reactive to human-triggering at upper elevations on Wednesday.
If you head into the backcountry, please consider submitting a MIN report.
Snowpack Summary
Stormy conditions and fluctuating freezing levels over the past few days have deposited 10 to 30 mm of rain at lower elevations and snow up high. An additional 5 to 15 cm of snow is expected to fall overnight above 1200 m, with rain at lower elevations again. The new snow is overlaying moist snow or a crust, and has formed wind slabs in wind-loaded terrain near ridgetops. An old persistent weak layer of facets may still be present 100 to 150 cm below the surface on high north-facing slopes. Triggering this layer is considered unlikely at this time. At lower elevations, the snowpack is rain-saturated, and coverage is rapidly thinning at lower elevations.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of snow above 1300 m, possible rain below. Highest amounts forecast for the western region. 40 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1600 m, dropping to 1200 m.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level rising to 1800 m.
Thursday
Cloudy, with 10 to 20 mm of moderate to heavy rain below 2000 m, possible snow above. 35 to 45 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +5 °C. Freezing level rising to 2300 m.
Friday
A mix of sun and cloud. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level rising to 1500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs may remain triggerable at upper elevations, especially near ridge crests, rollovers, and in steep terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Wet
Wet loose avalanches will be possible when the snow surface is wet or moist, especially during periods of sun. Use good sluff management techniques, wet snow can entrain a lot of mass.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5