Snow accumulation has varied across the region, with favored areas seeing 15 cm of snow since Sunday. In areas with higher snow totals, wind slabs in alpine terrain are the main concern.
Areas in the region that received 5-15 cm of snow since Sunday may have wind slabs reactive to human triggering. These slabs are unlikely to bond well with the previous snow surfaces. Watch for lee features in the alpine with denser and deeper drifts.
Thursday night: Clearing skies, no precipitation, light variable winds, alpine temperature -14 C
Friday: Cloudy with periods of sun, no precipitation, light variable winds, alpine high temperature -10 C
Saturday: Mix of sun and cloud, no precipitation, light variable winds, alpine high temperature -11 C
Sunday: Cloudy with periods of sun, no precipitation, moderate northwest winds, alpine high temperature -9 C
There have been no recent reports of avalanches in the region; however, there is very little information available at this time. If you get out into the mountains, let us know what you see by submitting to the Mountain Information Network!
Snowfall has been sporadic or has failed to materialize with the last storm system. Since Sunday, areas further north in the region have accumulated 5-15 cm of snow. In these areas, southwesterly winds have been transporting the snow into wind slabs on lee features at upper elevations. Depending on location, these slabs are likely sitting on a mix of sugary faceted snow, and feathery surface hoar crystals, and hard wind-affected snow that may be reactive to human triggering.
Total snow depths are 50-100 cm in alpine areas around Smithers, with depths diminishing rapidly below 1500 m.
