Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Coquihalla, Harrison-Fraser, Manning, Skagit.
Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
In sheltered areas, a persistent weak layer may remain triggerable.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanche activity has been confirmed since last weekend, but reports have been limited in this region.
Looking forward, we expect naturally triggered avalanches to be unlikely, but human triggering to remain possible.
Snowpack Summary
Wind-effect has been extensive, and wind slabs can be found on various aspects extending well into treeline features. 20 to 60 cm of snow accumulated over the last storm cycle, with the highest amounts falling in the western parts of the region and lowest near Manning Park. A few flurries totaling 2 to 8 cm are expected tomorrow. The old storm snow is sitting on a weak layer that developed in late January. In many areas, this layer consists of a hard crust. However, on shady, upper-elevation slopes, the new snow may be resting on faceted grains or surface hoar. A crust from December is buried 80 to 120 cm deep and may have facets around it in shallow areas. Otherwise, the lower snowpack is well consolidated.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Partly cloudy. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures -13 °C.
Saturday
Cloudy with 2 to 8 cm of snow. 15 to 25 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures -11 °C.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 10 to 15 km/h variable ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures -13 °C
Monday
Sunny. 40 to 50 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures -18 °C
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
- Fresh snow rests on a problematic persistent slab, don't let good riding lure you into complacency.
- Keep in mind that human triggering may persist as natural avalanches taper off.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent wind varied in direction, so watch for wind slabs on all aspects. Be extra cautious transitioning into wind affected terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
A weak layer of facets/surface hoar/crust are buried up to 60 cm deep. Remain cautious on steep slopes and watch for signs of instability.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5