Avalanche forecast

Coquihalla

Apr 7 – 8, 2023Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Another storm will impact the South Coast ranges Saturday and could extend into this region.

Dial back your terrain choices if there is more than 25 cm of recent snow where you are riding.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Upcoming precipitations and strong southerly winds will continue to develop wind slabs at upper elevations. These slabs may not bond well to the underlying surfaces, especially if a melt-freeze crust is present. Rider-triggerable avalanches will be possible, on steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Rain and above-freezing temperatures have weakened the snowpack at low elevations, which may remain weak until a solid crust forms. Watch for unstable snow on steep terrain, where loose avalanches are likely to get triggered.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Wet loose avalanches (up to size 1.5) were reported at all aspects and all elevations with warm weather on Thursday in the region.

If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a report to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 10 cm of heavy wet snow can be found at upper elevations. Moist snow or crusty surface formed up to 1800 m on all aspects due to elevated freezing levels Thursday. This overlies on a variety of surfaces, including melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects, wind-affected snow on open slopes and leeward features. Snow at low elevations is rapidly melting out. The mid and lower snowpack consists of several old crusts and facetted snow that continue to be monitored, particularly in shallow snowpack areas.

Weather Summary

Wet, warm & windy conditions are expected to impact the region as two more storms will roll into the South Coast ranges Saturday and Sunday.

Friday night

Cloudy. Isolated flurries up to 5-10 cm. Moderate southwest wind gusting 50 km/h. Alpine low -3 °C. Freezing level lowers to 1200 m.

Saturday

Snow. 10-15 cm. Moderate southwest wind gusting 50 km/h. Alpine high -3 °C. Freezing level steady at 1300 m.

Sunday

Rain 20-30 mm. Heavy snow at upper elevations only. Strong southwest wind gusting 50 km/h. Alpine high -1 °C. Freezing level steady around 1800 m.

Monday

Cloudy. Isolated flurries up to 5 cm. Moderate southwest wind gusting 40 km/h. Alpine low -3 °C. Freezing level lowers to 1200 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Investigate the bond of the recent snow
  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.
  • The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.

Regions covered