Avalanche forecast

Coquihalla

Jan 26 – 27, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low

Highlights

Assess surface conditions as you gain elevation. Where dry snow is found, small wind slabs are possible . Where the snow surface is wet, loose avalanches are likely.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Small wind slabs may still exist in the alpine.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    With continued daytime warming and high freezing levels, loose wet avalanches are possible out of steep terrain.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–1.5

    Wet loose avalanches are possible at all elevations as freezing levels rise.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Wet loose avalanches continue to be observed in steep terrain at treeline and below.

Snowpack Summary

In the alpine precipitation has been falling as snow and  forming wind slabs on northerly aspects. At treeline and below a crust will likely be found on the surface that will break down throughout the day and become moist.

The mid and lower snowpack contain several crusts that are not concerning. The snowpack remains shallow for this time of year.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Mostly cloudy with up to 5 cm of new snow expected, south alpine wind 30 to 50 km/h, freezing level around 1000 m.

Friday

Mostly cloudy with up to 5 mm of mixed precipitation expected, south alpine wind 30 to 50 km/h, freezing level rising to 2000 m.

Saturday

Cloudy with up to 5 mm of rain expected, south alpine wind 40 to 50 km/h, freezing level rising to 2400 m.

Sunday

Cloudy with up to 10 mm of rain expected, southwest alpine wind 50 to 70 km/h, freezing level rising  to 2600 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.
  • Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
  • Even a small avalanche can be harmful if it pushes you into an obstacle or a terrain trap.

Regions covered