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Avalanche Forecast

Feb 20th, 2023–Feb 21st, 2023
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Coquihalla, Harrison-Fraser, Manning, Skagit.

Updated on Tuesday at 6:10 AM. 15 to 20 cm of snow fell overnight creating dangerous avalanche conditions at treeline and alpine elevations.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Most recent avalanche activity was reported as size 1-1.5 wind slabs in the alpine.

With heavy snowfall forecast for Monday night combined with strong winds, expect there to be an increase in natural avalanche activity in the alpine and treeline.

Please continue to post your reports and photos to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

20-40 cm of new snow from the beginning of the week is being redistributed by primarily southwest winds.

A melt-freeze crust formed in mid-January is now buried up to 80-120 cm deep. In some areas, small facets are still found above the crust. This layer appears to be gaining strength but still remains a concern. The snow below this layer is well consolidated.

Snowpack depths are just below seasonal averages. Total amounts range from 150 to 300 cm at treeline, but decreases significantly below 1500 m.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Cloudy with snow, accumulation 15-30cm. Wind strong southwest. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1300 m.

Tuesday

Mainly cloudy with flurries, accumulation 3-5cm. Wind light to moderate northwest. Treeline temperature -7 °C. Freezing level 400 m.

Wednesday

Mainly cloudy. Wind light to moderate northeast. Treeline temperature -14 °C.

Thursday

Mix of sun and cloud. Wind moderate north wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Up to 30cm of new snow overnight Monday into Tuesday will form reactive storm slabs. Deepest deposits will be found in lee terrain with strong southwest winds.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

A crust formed in mid-January can be found down 70 to 90 cm. In some areas facets can be found sitting on the crust.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5