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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 18th, 2024–Jan 19th, 2024

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

Regions

Sasquatch, Sasquatch, Coquihalla, Harrison-Fraser, Manning, Skagit.

Approach wind-loaded terrain with caution at higher elevations. At lower elevations, anticipate snow to become moist, or wet by the end of the day.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Numerous storm and wind slab avalanches were reported on Wednesday, during stormy conditions. Avalanches occurred on various elevations and aspects and were a mix of natural and skier-triggered up to size 2.

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

Snowpack Summary

Up to 30 cm of recent, low-density snow has been redistributed by variable alpine winds. Below 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.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Cloudy with trace snow amounts, southwest alpine winds 10 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -5 °C.

Friday

Cloudy with up to 10 cm of snow, potential for rain at treeline and below in the afternoon, southwest alpine winds 30 to 50 km/h, treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 2200 m by the end of the day.

Saturday

Cloudy with a chance of light rain at most elevations, southwest alpine winds 20 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 2200 m.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy with no precipitation, southwest alpine winds 20 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1900 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
  • Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
  • Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-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.

Loose Wet

Loose Wet avalanches are the release of wet unconsolidated snow or slush. These avalanches typically occur within layers of wet snow near the surface of the snowpack, but they may quickly gouge into lower snowpack layers. Like Loose Dry Avalanches, they start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-wet avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs. Loose Wet avalanches can trigger slab avalanches that break into deeper snow layers.