Watch for fresh and reactive wind slabs building as snowfall accumulates with strong winds. Heaviest snowfall is expected in immediate coastal areas and near Kitimat. Step back to conservative terrain as snowfall continues.
Fresh and reactive wind slabs are expected to continue to build at higher elevations.
A buried crust from the end of March has produced recent avalanche activity - small wind slabs may trigger a deeper avalanche on this layer.
Several rider triggered slabs were reported on Tuesday, to size 1 primarily in wind loaded features.
On the weekend a rider triggered a size 2 slab as they travelled through a thin snowpack area, on weak crystals above a crust from the end of March, resulting in a full burial. The person involved was extricated with no injuries. This layer has shown some reactivity in isolated features.
Light snowfall will be redistributed by strong southerly winds into wind loaded features on north facing slopes. This new snow will fall over previously wind affected surfaces, from up to 40 cm of recent snowfall that sits above a widespread melt freeze crust on all aspects and elevations. On south facing slopes the strong winds are expected to keep this crust on the surface.
The mid and lower snowpack are considered generally strong and well-bonded. In outlying northern reaches of the region, basal facets may exist which are currently considered inactive. This layer may become active with abrupt changes to the snowpack, such as rapid loading (heavy snowfall or rain) or prolonged warming.
Wednesday Night
Cloudy with light snowfall, up to 15 cm on the immediate coast and 5 cm elsewhere. Strong southerly winds. Freezing levels remain around 1000 m.
Thursday
Cloudy. 5 cm of snow expected in cm in most areas, with up to 20 cm possible on the immediate coast/Kitimat area. Freezing levels around 1300 m.
Light snow continues overnight.
Friday
Mostly cloudy with 5-10 cm of snow. Moderate southwest winds. Freezing levels around 1000 m.
Saturday
Cloudy with strong to extreme southerly winds. Snow intensifies with moderate to heavy accumulations possible.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
