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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 2nd, 2023–Apr 3rd, 2023

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

Regions

Coquihalla, Harrison-Fraser, Manning, Skagit.

Spring is a dynamic time of year where conditions can vary widely and change rapidly. Localized convective snowfall can appear out of nowhere and even short periods of strong sun can rapidly destabilize the upper snowpack.

Carefully assess your local conditions and pay attention to how the weather is affecting the snowpack throughout the day.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Reported avalanche activity on Saturday was limited to a small skier-triggered storm slab on a northeast aspect near treeline, despite extensive ski cutting avalanche control work.

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

A moist or crusty surface has likely formed on southerly aspects and below 1200 m. 15 to 30 cm of recent snow has likely been blown into deep deposits in leeward terrain features at wind-exposed elevations by previous strong southeast to southwest winds. The recent snow sits over a melt-freeze crust exists on all aspects at treeline and below, and to mountaintop on solar aspects. In north-facing high alpine terrain, snow may remain cold and dry.

The mid and lower snowpack consists of a number of old crusts and facetted snow that continue to be monitored, particularly in shallow snowpack areas.

Weather Summary

Sunday night

Flurries bringing around 5 cm. Light northwest wind. Alpine low -4 °C. Freezing level valley bottom.

Monday

Mostly sunny. Light northwest wind. Alpine high 0 °C. Freezing level rises to 1200 m.

Tuesday

A mix of sun and cloud. Light variable wind. Alpine high 0 °C. Freezing level rises to 1200 m.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy. Light southwest wind. Alpine high 0 °C. Freezing level rises to 1200 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Remember that in the spring strong solar radiation and warm temperatures can weaken the snow in a matter of minutes.
  • Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
  • Avoid exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-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.

Loose Wet

Loose Wet avalanches are the release of wet unconsolidated snow or slush. These avalanches typically occur within layers of wet snow near the surface of the snowpack, but they may quickly gouge into lower snowpack layers. Like Loose Dry Avalanches, they start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-wet avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs. Loose Wet avalanches can trigger slab avalanches that break into deeper snow layers.