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Avalanche Forecast

Jan 30th, 2024–Jan 31st, 2024
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Coquihalla, Harrison-Fraser, Manning, Sasquatch, Skagit, Stave.

The upper snowpack has become saturated and weakened due to warm temperatures and rainfall.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A widespread loose wet and wet slab avalanche cycle occurred in the Coquihalla area over the past few days, up to size 2.

Recent observations have been limited.

Snowpack Summary

The upper snowpack has been heavily saturated and weakened by recent rains.

The mid and lower snowpacks contain several old crusts but remain generally well-bonded and strong.

Snow depths have decreased significantly with recent rain and warm temperatures, particularly at lower elevations where the snowpack has been melting at an alarming rate.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy with no precipitation, southeast alpine wind 20 to 40 km/h, freezing level around 2800 m.

Wednesday

Cloudy with 2 to 10 mm of rain or wet snow at higher elevations, south alpine winds 20 to 40 km/h, freezing level around 2000 m.

Thursday

Cloudy with up to 5 mm of rain or wet snow at higher elevations, south alpine winds 20 to 40 km/h, freezing level around 1700 m.

Friday

Mix of sun and cloud with no precipitation, southwest alpine winds 10 to 30 km/h, freezing level around 1400 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Keep in mind that wet avalanches can be destructive due to their high density.
  • The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.
  • Even a small avalanche can be harmful if it pushes you into an obstacle or a terrain trap.

Avalanche Problems

Wet Slabs

Wet slab avalanches are most concerning where a saturated snowpack overlies a hard crust or smooth ground surfaces like rock slabs or grassy slopes. They can be particularly hard to predict and very consequential if triggered.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5

Loose Wet

The upper snowpack has been saturated and weakened by warm temperatures and rain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5