Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Coquihalla, Harrison-Fraser, Manning, Skagit.
Spring is a dynamic time of year where conditions can vary widely and change rapidly. Localized convective snowfall can appear out of nowhere and even short periods of strong sun can rapidly destabilize the upper snowpack.
Carefully assess your local conditions and pay attention to how the weather is affecting the snowpack throughout the day.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Reported avalanche activity on Saturday was limited to a small skier-triggered storm slab on a northeast aspect near treeline, despite extensive ski cutting avalanche control work.
If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a report to the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
A moist or crusty surface has likely formed on southerly aspects and below 1200 m. 15 to 30 cm of recent snow has likely been blown into deep deposits in leeward terrain features at wind-exposed elevations by previous strong southeast to southwest winds. The recent snow sits over a melt-freeze crust exists on all aspects at treeline and below, and to mountaintop on solar aspects. In north-facing high alpine terrain, snow may remain cold and dry.
The mid and lower snowpack consists of a number of old crusts and facetted snow that continue to be monitored, particularly in shallow snowpack areas.
Weather Summary
Sunday night
Flurries bringing around 5 cm. Light northwest wind. Alpine low -4 °C. Freezing level valley bottom.
Monday
Mostly sunny. Light northwest wind. Alpine high 0 °C. Freezing level rises to 1200 m.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud. Light variable wind. Alpine high 0 °C. Freezing level rises to 1200 m.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. Light southwest wind. Alpine high 0 °C. Freezing level rises to 1200 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Remember that in the spring strong solar radiation and warm temperatures can weaken the snow in a matter of minutes.
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
- Avoid exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
10 to 30 cm of recent snow arrived with strong southeast to southwest winds, and likely formed deep deposits in leeward terrain features. Rapid settlement due to strong sun, has potential trigger storm slab avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Wet
Loose wet avalanches will become increasingly likely on steep solar aspects as the surface becomes moist or wet with strong sun.
Aspects: South East, South, South West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2