Avalanche Forecast

On Thursday, numerous natural dry loose avalanche (size 1) were observed from the Coquihalla highway. No other avalanches were reported.

If you head into the backcountry, please consider submitting a MIN report.

In the alpine, up to 30 cm of wind affected recent storm snow is topped by a melt-freeze crust caused by recent above freezing temperatures. Below 1700 m, a 3 mm freezing rain crust c this new snow. Beneath the new snow are various old surfaces, including firm wind-affected snow, faceted crystals, and surface hoar, all of which may prolong the bonding between new snow and underlying surfaces.

The mid and lower snowpack contains various old crusts and is generally well-settled and stable.

With recent snowfalls, lower elevation areas may now be at the threshold for avalanches.

Saturday Night

Mainly cloudy and no new snow. Alpine wind south 10 to 20 km/h. Treeline temperature -4 °C. The above freezing layer is disappearing and freezing level falling to 1000m.

Sunday

Mainly cloudy with trace new snow. Alpine wind southwest 15 to 20 km/h. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1200 - 1500 m.

Monday

A mix of sun and cloud, with trace of mixed precipitation. Alpine wind southwest 10 to 20 km/h. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level rising to 1500 m.

Tuesday

Mainly cloudy with mixed precipitation, up to 10 cm accumulation at higher elevations. Alpine wind southwest 20 to 40 km/h. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level rising to 1500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
• A crust on the surface will help bind the snow together, but may make for tough travel conditions.