Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 31st, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Wet.
cgarritty,
Avalanche Canada
A skiff of alpine snow shouldn't create much new hazard on Thursday. Ongoing rain and a saturated snowpack mean wet avalanches remain possible where lower elevation snow coverage remains.
Summary
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
A widespread loose wet and wet slab avalanche cycle occurred in the Coquihalla area over the past few days, up to size 2.
Recent observations have been limited.
Snowpack Summary
The upper snowpack has been heavily saturated and weakened by recent rain. A new surface crust has likely formed in the alpine and will extend to lower elevations in the coming days.
The mid and lower snowpacks contain several old crusts but remain generally well-bonded and strong.
Snow depths have decreased significantly as a result of the rain, particularly at lower elevations where the snowpack has been melting at an alarming rate.
Weather Summary
Wednesday night
Cloudy with 2 to 5 mm of rain or wet snow at higher elevations. South alpine winds 20 to 30 km/h.
Thursday
Cloudy with up to 2 mm of rain or wet snow at higher elevations. South alpine winds 20 km/h. Treeline temperature +2 with freezing level around 1800 m.
Friday
A mix of sun and cloud with trace precipitation. Southwest alpine winds 10 to 20 km/h. Treeline temperature 0°C with freezing level around 1500 m.
Saturday
A mix of sun and cloud with trace precipitation. Alpine winds shifting northeast 10-20 km/h. Treeline temperature -1°C with freezing level around 1400 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Even a small avalanche can be harmful if it pushes you into an obstacle or a terrain trap.
- When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
- A crust on the surface will help bind the snow together, but may make for tough travel conditions.
Problems
Loose Wet
The upper snowpack has been saturated and weakened by rain. This problem will come to a close once a substantial surface crust forms. Until then, wet loose avalanches remain possible in steep terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 1st, 2024 4:00PM
