South Coast

Given the very limited information on hand for this bulletin, I would tread cautiously and take the time to gather snowpack information as I go. Please submit any observations from your day to the MIN.

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Weather off the South Coast remains persistent with a solid southerly flow through tonight and tomorrow. Cooler air accompanies this low, keeping freezing levels lower than expected with these frontal systems. By Tuesday night freezing levels will slightly rise to 1500 m then drop back to 800 m or for the remainder of the week. The region will continue to get slammed by these storms with moderate- heavy precipitation falling as snow at upper elevations.

No new avalanche activity reported, however; strong winds and snow at upper elevations will likely build new storm slabs.

There is most likely not enough snow yet for avalanches below treeline. Early reports from this region are very limited and the North Shore ski hills are only reporting up to 20 cm of accumulated snow. A deeper, consolidated snowpack sits from 1600 m- 1900 m where depths are 70-100 cm. Climbing higher into the alpine, 100 cm plus exist. The upper snowpack is moist and heavy with wind effect on leeward slopes and buried 30-40 cm down is a thick crust (10-15 cm). Reports suggest the new snow is sticking to this crust. When traveling in the mountains Id maintain an investigative approach and dig down to test for weak layers before committing to a slope. If you've been in the mountains, please share your observations on our Mountain Information Network.