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Avalanche Forecast

Apr 7th, 2023–Apr 8th, 2023
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
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
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
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

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

Another storm will impact the South Coast ranges Saturday and could extend into this region.

Dial back your terrain choices if there is more than 25 cm of recent snow where you are riding.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Wet loose avalanches (up to size 1.5) were reported at all aspects and all elevations with warm weather on Thursday in the region.

If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a report to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 10 cm of heavy wet snow can be found at upper elevations. Moist snow or crusty surface formed up to 1800 m on all aspects due to elevated freezing levels Thursday. This overlies on a variety of surfaces, including melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects, wind-affected snow on open slopes and leeward features. Snow at low elevations is rapidly melting out. The mid and lower snowpack consists of several old crusts and facetted snow that continue to be monitored, particularly in shallow snowpack areas.

Weather Summary

Wet, warm & windy conditions are expected to impact the region as two more storms will roll into the South Coast ranges Saturday and Sunday.

Friday night

Cloudy. Isolated flurries up to 5-10 cm. Moderate southwest wind gusting 50 km/h. Alpine low -3 °C. Freezing level lowers to 1200 m.

Saturday

Snow. 10-15 cm. Moderate southwest wind gusting 50 km/h. Alpine high -3 °C. Freezing level steady at 1300 m.

Sunday

Rain 20-30 mm. Heavy snow at upper elevations only. Strong southwest wind gusting 50 km/h. Alpine high -1 °C. Freezing level steady around 1800 m.

Monday

Cloudy. Isolated flurries up to 5 cm. Moderate southwest wind gusting 40 km/h. Alpine low -3 °C. Freezing level lowers to 1200 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Investigate the bond of the recent snow
  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.
  • The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Upcoming precipitations and strong southerly winds will continue to develop wind slabs at upper elevations. These slabs may not bond well to the underlying surfaces, especially if a melt-freeze crust is present. Rider-triggerable avalanches will be possible, on steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.

Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Loose Wet

Rain and above-freezing temperatures have weakened the snowpack at low elevations, which may remain weak until a solid crust forms. Watch for unstable snow on steep terrain, where loose avalanches are likely to get triggered.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Below Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5