South Coast

Conservative choices should be on the radar right now as we wait for fresh snow.

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Forecast models show no precipitation for the region until Thursday afternoon when a pulse of Pacific moisture is scheduled to arrive. Freezing levels will stay around 600m throughout out the forecast period, but an above freezing layer will pass through the region on Wednesday.  Winds will be light for the most part from the  S-SW..

No recent avalanches have been reported, but reports of solar warming have some areas talking about decreasing stability in the afternoon on steep solar aspects, with size 1.5 avalanches possible.

A thick supportive surface crust has capped the snowpack in most, if not all, parts of the forecast region. Below the crust is the most recent storm snow around 50-70cm deep and sitting on a variety of snow surfaces that includes wind affected surfaces, a freezing rain crust or sun crust, and surface hoar or sugary facets in sheltered terrain. In the mid snowpack there is a mid-December surface hoar or crust/facet weak layer. This is now typically buried 1m or more. The old surface hoar layer may be found in sheltered shady areas at and below treeline, while the slightly deeper crust/facet layer is more widespread and variable.