Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Coquihalla, Harrison-Fraser, Manning, Skagit.
Avoid steep, rocky, wind-affected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
Minimize exposure to overhead hazards when solar radiation is strong.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Saturday, a size 1 skier-triggered wind slab avalanche was reported on a treeline feature on Zoa Peak.
The most notable activity in the past week has been large glide slab avalanches. Glide slabs are hard to forecast. If you see a glide crack, simply avoid being under it.
If you are headed into the backcountry please consider making a MIN post with photos and observations from the day. The information is very helpful for forecasters!
Snowpack Summary
Up to 15 cm of snow overlies a thin surface crust everywhere except northerly slopes in the alpine. In exposed areas westerly winds have built wind slabs on lee slopes.
A substantial crust up to 30 cm thick sits 50 to 90 cm deep, well-bonded to surrounding snow. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well consolidated.
Treeline snow depths range from roughly 150 to 220 cm around the Coquihalla and 100 to 150 cm around Manning Park.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Mostly clear skies. 15 to 25 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. An above freezing layer persists between 1700 and 2700 m.
Tuesday
Mainly sunny. 25 to 35 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. An above freezing layer persists between 1700 and 2700 m.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +2 °C. Freezing level above mountain tops.
Thursday
Mainly cloudy with light flurries. 3 to 7 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level drops to the valley bottom.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, or recent avalanches.
- Limit exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.
- Rocks will heat up with daytime warming and may become trigger points for loose wet avalanches.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Shifting winds have created wind slabs on a variety of aspects. Look for signs of wind effect on the snow surface as you move through the terrain.
Strong sun may increase the reactivity of wind slabs on steep, sun-affected slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Wet
Strong solar input may trigger loose wet avalanche activity on solar slopes in the afternoon. Back off slopes, if the snow surface becomes wet or moist.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2