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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 17th, 2023–Jan 18th, 2023

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Coquihalla, Harrison-Fraser, Manning, Skagit.

As you transition into wind-affected watch for pockets deeper cohesive wind slab that may remain reactive to human triggering.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

No recent reports of avalanche activity.

Please continue to share any observations or photos on the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Last week's storm resulted in slabs at higher elevations (above 2000 m) where snow remained dry. At treeline and below (2000 m and lower) the snowpack has a frozen crust on the surface.

The mid-snowpack is well-settled. The lower snowpack consists of several crusts with weak faceted crystals above and below that are beginning to heal and bond to each other.

Snowpack depths are roughly 150 cm cm at treeline and tapers rapidly below 1500 m. This is about 60 - 70% of average.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night: South wind strengthens to moderate, strong at high elevations. Trace of new snow. Freezing level near 1000 m. Treeline temperatures around -5 C.

Wednesday: Moderate to strong south wind at high elevations, lessening to moderate in the afternoon. 5 to 10 cm of new snow. Freezing level 1000 m, briefly rising to near 1300 m late in the day. Overcast. Treeline temperatures around -5 C.

Thursday

Mix sun and cloud. Dry. Cooler with treeline temps around -10 C. Light west wind.

Friday

Mix of sun and cloud. Dry. Treeline temps around -5 C. Light southwest wind.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
  • The best and safest riding will be on slopes that have soft snow without any slab properties.
  • Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.