Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Coquihalla, Manning, Skagit.
Storm slabs may be reactive to human triggering, especially at upper elevations.
Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding, and conservative decision-making are essential.
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
On Sunday, numerous human triggered and natural wet loose avalanches (up to size 1.5) were reported. We suspect a lack of observations at higher elevations due to poor visibility.
Storm slabs may be reactive to human triggers on Tuesday.
If you are headed to the backcountry, please consider sharing your photos and observations from your day on the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 20 cm of storm snow blankets the region. Moderate southwest winds have redistributed storm snow into deeper pockets on lee slopes at the ridgeline. 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
Monday Night
Cloudy with flurries. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 500 m.
Tuesday
Cloudy with light flurries, 1 to 5 cm of snow. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2°C. Freezing level 1300 m.
Wednesday
Cloudy with 10 to 15 cm of snow. 20 gusting to 65 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level around 1300 m.
Thursday
Mix of sun and cloud with light flurries. 20 gusting to 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level around 600 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid freshly wind-loaded terrain features.
- Keep your guard up as storm slabs may remain sensitive to human triggering.
- Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm slabs may be reactive to human triggering. Back off if you find signs of instability like whumpfing, shooting cracks, or recent avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
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: Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3