Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Coquihalla, Harrison-Fraser, Manning, Skagit.
Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
In sheltered areas, a persistent weak layer may remain reactive.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanche activity has been reported since the weekend. Big thank you for all the great MIN reports this past weekend!
Snowpack Summary
20 to 60 cm of snow accumulated over the last storm cycle, with the highest amounts falling in the western parts of the region and lowest amounts near Manning Park.
The storm snow is sitting on a weak layer that developed in late January. In many areas, this layer consists of a hard slippery crust. However, on shady, upper-elevation slopes, the new snow may be resting on faceted grains or surface hoar. Wind-effect has been extensive, and wind slabs can be found on various aspects extending well into treeline features.
A crust from December is buried 80 to 120 cm deep and may have facets around it in shallow areas. Otherwise, the lower snowpack is well consolidated.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy with 1 to 6 cm of snow. 15 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures -13 °C.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy. 10 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures -10 °C
Friday
Sunny. 10 to 15 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures -11 °C
Saturday
Mostly sunny. 20 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures -10 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Fresh snow rests on a problematic persistent slab, don't let good riding lure you into complacency.
- Recent wind has varied in direction, so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Previous southwesterly winds have veered into northeasterly outflow winds. Be extra cautious transitioning into wind affected terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
A weak layer of facets/surface hoar/crust are sitting under storm snow buried up to 60 cm deep. Remain cautious on steep slopes and watch for signs of instability.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5