It is possible for riders to trigger fresh storm slabs. Use caution on steep, convex and unsupported terrain.
The deep freeze starts tomorrow - expect a high of -25 deg C
Up to 50cm of recent snow has formed storm slabs. Moderate S/SW winds have formed firmer slabs on lee slopes and cross loaded features in the alpine. This problem is most reactive on solar slopes with a buried crust. Easily triggered sluffing should also be expected in steep terrain.
Up to 40 cm of storm snow and moderate S/SW winds trigged a widespread natural cycle Tuesday into Wednesday morning. Avalanches, up to sz 3.0, were reaching into the runout zones and running far where a crust is present.
On Tuesday, a field team on McGill shoulder observed was able to trigger loose dry avalanches running fast in steep terrain.
This week several human triggered avalanches occurred failing at the base of the new snow, Video Peak and Forever Young.
Moderate S/SW winds have redistributed 40-50cms of recent storm snow. Below this a sun crust is found on solar aspects; firm wind effect in the alpine; and soft facetted snow on sheltered N aspects.
Below 2100m there is a crust down 70-80cm (from Dec 5th/6th).
The Dec 1 surface hoar layer is down 90-120cm and is decomposing. However, it is still reactive in isolated snowpack tests.
Cold, arctic air overtakes BC Thursday. Lingering flurries are forecast for Thursday.
Tonight: trace of snow, light W winds, low -23 °C, freezing level at valley bottom (FZL-VB)
Thurs: Mix of sun and clouds, light E winds, high -25 °C,FZL-VB
Fri: Sunny, light E winds, high -34 °C, FZL-VB
Sat: sunny, light E winds, high -24 °C, FZL-VB
