South Coast

Avalanche hazard has increased at higher elevations. With more snow on the way, hazard will extend to lower elevations.

- Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

TUESDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with isolated flurries, trace accumulation, moderate west wind with strong to extreme gusts, freezing level below 700 mWEDNESDAY: Snowfall starting during the day, accumulating 35-45 cm, moderate south wind with very strong gusts, freezing level 800 mTHURSDAY: Wet snow, accumulating up to 80 cm, moderate south wind with strong gusts, freezing level rising to 1900 mFRIDAY: Mixed snow and rain, accumulating 30-40 cm, moderate south wind with strong gusts, freezing level up to 2000 m

The new storm snow has already produced small (size 1) storm slabs avalanches in the neighboring Sea to Sky region. Similar avalanche activity can be expected in the South Coast region as snowfall totals rise.No avalanches have been reported in the region. Please submit any observations you have to the Mountain Information Network here.

Around 30 cm new snow has fallen around the region. Where it covers old snow, the new snow is not expected to bond well with a recently buried crust.Prior to the recent precipitation, the snowpack has been below threshold depth for avalanches in the North Shore mountains and terrain below 1500 m elevation. In alpine areas near Squamish, the new snow covered up to of 70 cm settled snow. In these areas, a crust is lower in the snowpack, however it is now suspected to be well bonded to the overlying storm snow. Shallow snow to bare ground at lower elevations has made for rugged travel. With any luck, the upcoming series of storms will deposit enough snow at treeline and lower elevations and improve early season travel conditions. Additionally, this new snow may bring lower elevation snow packs to depths where avalanches can occur.