Monitor storm snow depth and reactivity as you travel and plan to dial back terrain choices over the day. Sheltered terrain away from overhead hazards will offer the best, safest conditions.
Another round of moderate to heavy snowfall will form a new storm slab problem to manage on Friday. Expect accumulations, wind loading, and danger to be greatest in open, higher elevation terrain.
No new avalanches were reported in the region on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, riders near Chilliwack triggered many size 1 storm slabs on all aspects and elevations. In the Coquihalla, four size 2 glide slabs were observed. Glide slabs may release without warning. Always avoid travelling near them.
Another round of moderate to heavy snowfall through Friday should maintain active avalanche conditions, although Allison Pass may get missed.
25 - 30 cm of new snow should fall by end of day Friday, but only a trace is expected in Allison Pass.
This will add to about 120 cm of settling storm snow since December 16. Strong southerly winds over this period have left behind wind slabs of varying age and reactivity, and exposed rock or December crust in open terrain.
In more sheltered terrain, the December 16 crust with wet snow below it should be present a short distance above the ground and all the way to mountaintop. This tapers to storm snow on bare ground below about 1500 m.
Snow depths at the treeline range widely, from 100 - 300 cm, as a result of wind redistribution.
Thursday Night
Cloudy with flurries bringing 5 to 10 cm of new snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.
Friday
Cloudy with continuing flurries bringing 15 to 20 cm of new snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind, easing. Treeline temperature falling to -6 °C. Freezing level falling from 1200 m to valley bottom.
Saturday
Mainly sunny with 5 to 10 cm of new snow from overnight. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Sunday
A mix of sun and clouds. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -9 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
