Avalanche forecast

Coquihalla

Feb 27 – 28, 2025Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

The sensitive persistent weak layer remains our main concern at treeline and above.

Rider-triggered avalanches are likely, and avalanches can be destructive.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2.5

    Recent snowfalls and high southwest winds have formed reactive storm slabs. Expect hazard to increase with elevation and to be greatest in leeward terrain.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

    There are indications of a destructive, persistent slab problem waking up in the Cascades. Wind-loaded areas at higher elevations are the most likely places to trigger this problem.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Small loose wet avalanches were observed on Wednesday from steep solar slopes in the Coquihalla.

Evidence of natural avalanches from the past weekend's storm is still visible throughout the region, with numerous very large (size 3.5 to 4) persistent slabs with impressive crowns (100 to 200 cm) in the Manning region.

Snowpack Summary

30 to 40 cm of rapidly settling storm snow is found at treeline and above. Wind-affected snow is present in lee features, while a sun crust is found on southerly slopes.

A weak layer of faceted snow or surface hoar is now buried 50 to 60 cm deep and present in higher elevations, particularly shaded terrain.

A crust from December exists buried 100 to 150 cm deep, with facets around it in shallow areas.

At lower elevations, the snow is wet, heavy and water-saturated.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Mostly clear. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature stable around +0°C. Freezing level rising to 2200 m.

Thursday

Mix of sun and clouds. 50 to 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +4°C. Freezing level around 2400 m.

Friday

Mostly sunny. 40 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature stable around +5°C. Freezing level rising to 2500 m.

Saturday

Mix of sun and clouds. 30 to 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +8°C. Freezing level reaching 2700 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.
  • Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
  • Avoid thin areas like rocky outcrops where you're most likely to trigger avalanches on deep weak layers.

Regions covered