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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 13th, 2024–Jan 14th, 2024

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

Watch for active wind transport building fresh and reactive slabs on south facing slopes.

Sheltered areas should hold great riding conditions, seek them out and be aware of overhead hazard.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Friday natural wind slabs were observed during active wind transport. Loose dry sluffing was reported in sheltered terrain features.

On Thursday a size 2.5 natural wind slab was reported on a south aspect at treeline. Skiers also reported seeing the crown of a size 2 natural avalanche between Zopkios Ridge and Yak Peak.

If you head into the backcountry, please consider submitting a MIN report.

Snowpack Summary

Wind slab exists on south facing slopes at treeline and above, from northerly winds.

Wind affected snow overlies 20-50 cm of snow over a crust (which reports suggest is bonding well) and a well-settled snowpack in the alpine and upper treeline.

Treeline snowpack depths range from 100 to 180 cm. The last few storms have brought winter to the Cascades, and lower-elevation areas may now be at threshold for avalanches.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Clear skies. Northerly winds, 10-30 km/h. Treeline temperature around -22 °C.

Sunday

Clear skies. Northerly winds, 30-50 km/h. Treeline temperature around -18 °C.

Monday

Clear skies. Northerly winds, 30-50 km/h will ease over the day. Treeline temperature around -13 °C.

Tuesday

Clear skies. Southwest winds return 30-50 km/h. Treeline temperature around - 8 °C.

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.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • 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.