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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 5th, 2023–Apr 6th, 2023

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

Regions

Coquihalla, Harrison-Fraser, Manning, Skagit.

Heightened avalanche conditions exist on specific terrain features as wind will increase.

The best and safest riding will be on slopes that have soft snow without any slab properties.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A natural storm slab was observed on a north-easterly aspect at 1800 m on Tuesday near Yak Peak. Over the weekend, numerous natural and skier-triggered loose dry avalanches were reported (up to size 2) out of steep, north-facing terrain near treeline. Solar-triggered loose wet avalanches (up to size 1) out of steep solar aspects at all elevations.

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

Surfaces are variable according to aspects and elevations. On steep southerly aspects and low elevations, a moist or crusty surface has likely formed. At upper elevations, shady wind-sheltered areas hold dry, low-density snow. Recent snow from the past weekend (30-50 cm) has seen wind loading mostly isolated to the immediate lees of ridge top. Recent snow appears to be bonding well to underlying surfaces, including melt-freeze crusts. Snow at low elevations is rapidly settling 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

Fair weather continues until a warm system crashes into the south coastal ranges Friday. Warm & windy conditions are expected to impact the region over the weekend.

Wednesday night

Cloudy with clear periods. Moderate southwest wind. Alpine high -1 °C. Freezing level around 1100 m.

Thursday

Cloudy. Isolated flurries up to 5 cm. Moderate south wind gusting 50 km/h. Alpine high 0 °C. Freezing level rises to 1800 m.

Friday

Cloudy. Isolated flurries up to 5 cm. Moderate southwest wind gusting 50 km/h Alpine high -2 °C. Freezing level around 1600 m.

Saturday

Cloudy. Isolated flurries up to 5 cm. Moderate southwest wind gusting 50 km/h. Alpine high -4 °C. Freezing level rises to 1300 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Pay attention to the wind, once it starts to blow fresh sensitive wind slabs are likely to form.
  • Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.

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.