Avalanche Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT: Snow; 5-15 cm. for most of region except up to 25 cm. in Coquihalla area / Strong, northwest ridgetop wind / Alpine low -12 / Freezing level 500 m.

FRIDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries; 0-3 cm. / Light, northwest ridgetop wind / Alpine high -6 / Freezing level 900 m.

SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light, northwest ridgetop wind / Alpine high -7 / Freezing level 800 m.

SUNDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries; 0-3 cm. / Strong, southwest ridgetop wind / Alpine high -3 / Freezing level 1400 m.

No new avalanches were reported in this region on Wednesday. However, the incoming snow and strong northwest winds are expected to form storm slabs reactive to human triggers; especially in the Coquihalla area where higher snowfall amounts are expected.

Storm slabs formed by 10-20 cm. of new snow and strong southwest shifting to northwest winds have formed storm slabs that are expected to remain reactive to human triggers; especially in wind affected terrain.

A weak layer composed of a crust, facets or surface hoar depending on elevation/aspect is now down 70-120 cm. This layer that was buried in late January continues to be noted in snowpack tests with mixed results. There have been no recent avalanches reported on this layer. Large triggers, such as an avalanche in motion, cornice fall, or intense loading from snow/ wind and/or a rapid rise in temperature can awaken these deeper weak layers.

The lower snowpack is well settled and strong in most areas.

• Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
• Use increased caution at all elevations. Storm snow is forming touchy slabs.
• Expect slab conditions to change drastically as you move into wind exposed terrain.
• Extra caution is needed around cornices under the current conditions.