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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 14th, 2023–Feb 15th, 2023

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Coquihalla, Harrison-Fraser, Manning, Skagit.

Avalanches are possible in wind-loaded areas at treeline and above. Winds have changed directions and built wind slabs on all aspects. Carefully evaluate wind loading in terrain and investigate the bond of wind slabs to the crust below them before committing to a slope.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Poor visibility for the last few days kept operators from seeing avalanche activity at higher elevations.

On Saturday two notable wind slab avalanches were reported. First, a machine accidental, size 2-2.5, wind slab avalanche on a northeast aspect at 1900 m. See this great MIN report for photos. Second was a natural, size 2, wind slab avalanche that initiated in steep northeast facing terrain. The avalanche ran off some cliffs and triggered a second slab below them.

Please continue to post your reports and photos to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

20 cm of storm snow is being redistributed by variable winds. New snow overlies 50 cm of wind-affected snow in exposed areas. In sheltered areas, the upper snowpack remains unconsolidated.

A melt-freeze crust formed in mid-January is now buried up to 100 cm deep. At the moment this layer appears to be gaining strength though in isolated areas small facets are still found above the crust. The snow below this layer is consolidating nicely. Buried 120-150 cm is a crust, formed near the end of December.

Snowpack depths are below seasonal averages. Total amounts range from 150 to 200 cm at treeline, but decrease significantly below 1500 m.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Clear with cloudy periods. Winds northwest switching to west 25 km/h gusting 40 km/h. Treeline temperatures -8 °C. Freezing levels drop to valley bottom. 

Wednesday 

Mix of sun and cloud. Winds southwest 20 km/h gusting 40 km/h. Treeline temperatures -6 °C. Freezing levels of 700 m. 

Thursday

Cloudy with sunny periods. Winds southwest 20 km/h gusting 60 km/h. Treeline temperatures -5 °C and freezing levels of 1000 m. 

Friday

Cloudy with isolated flurries, 2-3 cm accumulation. Winds west 20 km/h gusting 40 km/h. Treeline temperatures -6 °C and freezing levels of 800 m. 

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
  • Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.