Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 19th, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

Avalanche Canada zryan, Avalanche Canada

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Pay attention to the impact of warm temperatures and back off avalanche terrain if you encounter signs of instability.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Thursday, numerous natural dry loose avalanche (size 1) were observed from the Coquihalla highway. No other avalanches were reported, but observation have been limited by stormy weather.

If you head into the backcountry, please consider submitting a MIN report.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 30 cm of recent, low-density snow has been redistributed by variable alpine winds. Below the new snow are various old surfaces, including firm wind-affected snow, faceted crystals, and surface hoar, all of which may prolong the bonding between new snow and underlying surfaces.

The mid and lower snowpack contains various old crusts and is generally well-settled and stable.

With recent snowfalls, lower elevation areas may now be at the threshold for avalanches.

Weather Summary

Friday night

Clear periods, no new precipitation. Alpine wind south 5 to 25 km/h. Treeline temperature -1 °C, with an above freezing layer in the alpine.

Saturday

Cloudy with sunny periods and no new snow. Alpine wind light and variable. Treeline temperature 0 °C, with an above freezing layer in the alpine.

Sunday

A mix of sun and cloud with no new snow. Alpine wind south 20 to 40 km/h. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Monday

Cloudy with mixed precipitation, up to 5 cm of new snow accumulation at higher elevations. Alpine wind 10 to 40 km/h from the southwest. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level rising to 1500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
  • Avoid steep slopes when air temperatures are warm, or solar radiation is strong.
  • Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

Recent low-density storm snow has been redistributed by variable winds into deeper deposit in wind-loaded terrain. Warming on Saturday may settle the storm snow into a more cohesive slab, forming a more widespread storm slab problem.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Jan 20th, 2024 4:00PM

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