Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Coquihalla, Manning.
Unsettled conditions continue, with the potential for significant localized snowfall.
Verify conditions as you go and adjust terrain choices if you notice signs of instability.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Several loose wet avalanches (up to size 1.5) were observed on steep southerly slopes in the Coquihalla during the weekend. On Friday, a cornice fall triggered a small wind slab avalanche (size 1.5) on a cross-loaded slope near Thar Peak. On Thursday, a skier triggered a size 1 avalanche on a northeast aspect at treeline in the Coquihalla. Read full MIN here.
Thanks for sharing your observations via the MIN if you are going out into the backcountry.
Snowpack Summary
The region received 15 to 25 cm this weekend, totaling up to 75 cm of storm snow in the past week, which is settling out rapidly. This sits above a crust on all aspects except on high, north-facing alpine terrain. Moderate to strong southwest winds have redistributed storm snow into deeper pockets on lee slopes at ridgeline, forming wind slabs. Southerly slopes have been sun-affected and moist and/or heavy snow can be found.
A layer of facets and surface hoar that formed in February has been found 90 to 150 cm down, and a layer of facets and surface hoar from late January can be found down to 130 to 190 cm. No recent notable test results have been seen on these layers.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Cloudy with up to 5 cm of new snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 800 m.
Monday
Cloudy with up to 5 cm of new snow. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.
Tuesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 20 to 30 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level rising to 1500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Rider-triggered slabs remain possible with the recent storm snow and wind that formed reactive slabs, particularly on wind-loaded lee slopes where deeper snow deposits are found.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
