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Avalanche Forecast

Mar 11th, 2024–Mar 12th, 2024
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
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
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Regions: Coquihalla, Manning, Skagit.

New snow and wind are causing dangerous avalanche conditions. Stick to smaller, low-angle slopes.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Minimal avalanche activity has been reported in this region. On Sunday, a small (size 1) storm slab avalanche was triggered by riders at Coquihalla Summit.

Snowpack Summary

Storm slabs will grow with another pulse of snow and wind expected on Tuesday. Prior to this snow, a thin crust layer was reported 20 cm deep on south-facing and below treeline elevations.

A few concerning weak layers exist 80 to 120 cm deep including facets on a crust and, in some areas, surface hoar. While we have not had recent reports of persistent slab avalanches in this region, these layers should not be trusted based on notable activity in neighbouring regions.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Flurries with 5 to 15 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Tuesday

Flurries with 10 to 20 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Wednesday

Light flurries with 2 to 5 cm of snow overnight then mostly cloudy during the day. 20 km/hr west wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C with freezing level rising to 1200 m.

Thursday

Sunny. 15 km/hr northwest wind. Treeline temperature +5 °C with freezing level rising to 3000 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.
  • Choose low-angled, sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
  • Carefully monitor the bond between the new snow and old surface.
  • In times of uncertainty conservative terrain choices are our best defense.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

New snow and wind will form reactive slabs on Tuesday. Slabs will be widespread in areas that receive more than 20 cm of new snow, while other areas will primarily see slabs form on wind-loaded slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Buried weak layers are most concerning at treeline elevations. Small slab avalanches may step down to this layer resulting in large, destructive avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3