Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

Several size 1 (small) avalanches were reported in the alpine on Friday.

Looking ahead, we expect rider-triggerable avalanches to be likely, especially at upper elevations and on leeward slopes.

Observations have been limited in this region. If you are going out in the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations to the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

20 to 30 cm of new snow has accumulated at upper elevations since Saturday. At lower elevations below treeline, some of this precipitation will fall as rain or wet heavy snow. By the end of Tuesday, an additional 15 to 30 cm of snow is expected in the alpine regions, while lower elevations may experience moderate to heavy rainfall. Previous and forecast winds are expected to build up more reactive storm slabs on lee north and east-facing slopes.

Below treeline, a crust or moist snow will likely be observed on the surface.

Snow depths at treeline vary across the region. Around 140 cm is reported in the Coquihalla and 85 cm near Manning Park.This MIN has a great snowpack description and photos from Needle Peak.

Monday Night

Cloudy with 10 to 20 cm of snow. 60 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 2400 m dropping to 1700 m.

Tuesday

Cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of snow 40 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.

Wednesday

Cloudy with trace precipitation. 40 to 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 700 m rising to 1400 m.

Thursday

Cloudy with 10 to 20 cm of snow. 45 to 65 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• As the storm slab problem worsens, the easy solution is to choose more conservative terrain.
• Be alert to conditions that change with aspect and elevation.
• Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.