Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Coquihalla, Harrison-Fraser, Manning, Skagit.
Wet avalanches are possible due to high freezing levels and rain.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
While we have no recent observations from this region, we suspect wind slab and wet loose avalanches occurred during recent storms and we can expect more with another storm on Thursday afternoon.
Snowpack Summary
Fluctuating freezing levels are causing rapid settlement and melting of the snowpack. However, up to 30 cm of snow has likely fallen at upper elevations in the past few days, which is likely heavily wind-affected from strong south winds.
Freezing levels will peak near 2500 m on Thursday before dropping as an approaching storm begins as rain and transitions to snow, with the heaviest accumulations expected Thursday evening.
Lower elevations are melting out quickly.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy. 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.
Thursday
Increasing cloud with 5 to 10 mm of precipitation, snow possible above 1600 m. 60 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level peaking at 2400 m in the morning then dropping to 1600 m.
Friday
Another 10 to 20 cm of snow by the morning then a mix of sun and cloud during the day. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy with 2 to 5 cm of snow. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- The first few hours of rain will likely be the most dangerous period.
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
Wet loose avalanches are possible when the snow surface becomes moist or wet. Manage sluff carefully—wet snow can entrain significant mass.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Wind Slabs
Old wind slabs may linger near ridgelines and new ones may form on Thursday afternoon if freezing levels drop quickly enough.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5