Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Coquihalla, Manning, Skagit.
New snow and moderate winds are expected to build fresh storm slabs throughout the day on Saturday.
Be alert to changing conditions throughout the day.
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported on Friday by 4 pm.
On Thursday, a rider triggered a size 2 slab avalanche on an open treeline feature in the Honeymoon area. The avalanche is believed to have released on a buried crust.
If you are headed to the backcountry, please consider sharing your photos and observations from your day on the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
By Saturday morning, up to 5 cm of storm snow has accumulated, and an additional 10 to 15 cm of snow is expected through the day. Storm snow covers a crust on all aspects except on high north-facing terrain, where new snow buries up to 20 cm of snow overlying a crust from earlier in March.
A layer of facets and surface hoar from late January can be found down 50 to 120 cm.
The lower snowpack contains several crusts that are not concerning.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Mainly cloudy with light furries starting early morning, 1 to 5 mm of mixed precipitation. 40 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.
Saturday
Cloudy with flurries, 10 to 15 mm of mixed precipitation. 40 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level rising to 1500 m.
Precipitation continues overnight, 5 to 10 mm of mixed precipitation.
Sunday
Cloudy with flurries, 10 to 20 mm of mixed precipitation. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level rising to 1800 m.
Precipitation continues overnight, 10 to 20 mm of mixed precipitation.
Monday
Partly cloudy with light flurries, 2 mm of precipitation. 20 to 25 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level around 1000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
- Dial back your terrain choices if you are seeing more than 20 cm of new snow.
- Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
As storm snow accumulates and strong winds build deep pockets on lee slopes, storm slabs will become sensitive to human triggering. Back off if you are seeing signs of instability like whumpfing, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
This layer remains a concern on north-facing, alpine terrain where the snowpack depth is variable. This layer may become more reactive with the added stress of new snow and wind.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3