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Avalanche Forecast

Jan 8th, 2024–Jan 9th, 2024
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
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

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

Very dangerous avalanche conditions exist at higher elevations where heavy snowfall and extreme winds are building reactive storm slabs. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Sunday, a few natural, size 2, wind slab avalanches were reported on south-facing slopes at treeline and above. A widespread loose dry avalanche cycle was observed in steep unsupported terrain.

See this MIN post from Saturday for a report of a remotely triggered avalanche around the Coq Summit.

If you head into the backcountry by any method of travel, please consider submitting observations and/or photos on the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

By Tuesday morning +30 cm of storm snow blankets the Cascades. This overlies 20-50 cm of recent snow over a crust and a well-settled snowpack in the alpine and upper treeline. Extreme southwest winds have redistributed loose snow to lee features and formed touchy slabs.

Treeline snowpack depths range from 90 to 180 cm. The last few storms have brought winter to the Cascades, and lower-elevation areas may reach the threshold for avalanches.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Cloudy with flurries, 30 to 40 cm of snow. Southwest ridgetop winds 40 to 80 km/h. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Tuesday

Cloudy with flurries, 20 to 35 cm of snow. Southwest ridgetop winds 40 to 80 km/h. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Wednesday

Cloudy with scattered flurries, up to 5 cm of snow. Northwest ridgetop winds 10 to 30 km/h. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Thursday

Partly cloudy with isolated flurries, 3 to 6 cm of snow. Southwest ridgetop winds 20 to 40 km/h. Treeline temperatures drop through the day to -16 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for avalanche hazard to increase throughout the day.
  • Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.
  • The best and safest riding will be on slopes that have soft snow without any slab properties.
  • Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain, large avalanches may reach the end of run out zones.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

+30 cm of snow and extreme ridgetop winds are rapidly building fresh storm slabs at higher elevations. Minimize exposure to overhead hazards at all elevations. Slab size and sensitivity will increase as snow continues to accumulate.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3