The danger will rise as new snow accumulates. If you see more than 30 cm of new snow, consider the hazard HIGH
Fall back to simple or on non-avalanche terrain as conditions worsen
New snow and wind will continue building slabs overnight and into Sunday. These slabs may be more reactive in areas where the storm snow is resting on a layer of surface hoar.
Wet loose avalanches may be possible at lower elevations if precipitation falls as rain.
Jan 1
In the Monashees, a skier triggered a size 1.5 wind slab on a wind loaded roll in the alpine.
Dec 31
Several size 1 to 2 storm slabs were triggered with explosive control in the alpine.
Dec 30
A few small to large (size 1 - 2.5) wind slab avalanches were reported in the alpine.
Looking forward: The likelihood of both human and natural-triggered avalanches is expected to rise as precipitation accumulates overnight and through Sunday.
10–20 cm of new snow is expected by Sunday afternoon, accompanied by southwesterly winds. Rain is possible at elevations below 1500 m, which could cause wet loose avalanches.
The new snow will add to the 10–25 cm that fell in the region on Saturday. The combined storm snow may be sitting on a weak layer of surface hoar in many areas, increasing the likelihood of developing slabs that may be more reactive and dangerous.
The prominent mid-December crust is buried up to 110 cm deep, and is present up to 2300 m. Triggering this layer is considered unlikely, except with large loads or in thin snowpack areas.
Saturday Night
Cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.
Sunday
Cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Monday
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 10 to 20 cm of snow. 45 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
