Start on small slopes and check the bond of the recent snow to the crust below before committing to larger or steeper terrain.
Wind loaded slopes will be the most concerning.
Recent snow and moderate southwest winds are expected to be building small, fresh wind slabs over existing wind slabs. These slabs may avalanche more easily where they have formed over a hard crust.
On Tuesday, north of Chilliwack, small (size 1), rider controlled, wet loose avalanches were reported on east aspects around 1300 m.
If you are heading into the backcountry, consider sharing your observations and posting a MIN.
Another 5 to 10 cm of new snow is expected to fall by the end of Thursday. Ongoing moderate southwest ridgetop wind is likely creating deeper deposits on leeward features.
The upper snowpack is mostly dry, settling snow above 1300 m, and moist or wet snow below 1300 m.
RIght up to mountain tops, a widespread, thick and hard crust is now expected to be buried by 15-40 cm of snow.
The snowpack below the crust is strong and bonded with no layers of concern.
There is little to no snow below 1000 m.
Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 2 cm of snow. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy. Average 5 cm of snow, 10 cm or more north of Powell River and Sechelt. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 10 cm of snow. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.
Saturday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1100 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
