There is uncertainty with forecast precipitation amounts Saturday night through Sunday. If snowfall amounts materialize as forecast in the south of the region, then the avalanche danger will certainly be High. Avalanche danger may one step lower in the north part of region with less snowfall forecast.
The forecast calls for snowfall combined with moderate to strong southwest wind Saturday night through Sunday. This will promote storm and wind slab formation at upper elevations.
Rain at lower elevations may weaken surface snow and cause it to sluff in steep terrain.
SATURDAY Night: Snow, accumulation 10-15 cm, moderate to strong southwest wind, freezing level 1500 m with treeline temperatures -2 C.
SUNDAY: Snow, accumulation 5-15 cm in the north of the region and 15-25 cm in the south near Coquihalla Summit, moderate to strong southwest wind, freezing level 1200 m with treeline temperatures around -4 C.
MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light to moderate northwest wind, freezing level 1100 m with treeline temperatures around -5 C.
TUESDAY: Mainly cloudy with sunny breaks, light northwest wind, freezing level 1500 m with treeline temperatures around -2 C.
Avalanche activity on Friday was limited to loose wet avalanches to size 1.5 from steep terrain facing the sun.
Expect to see an increase in storm and wind slab avalanches on Sunday as new snow accumulates and the wind blows strong from the southwest.
New snow falling Saturday night and Sunday sits above a widespread hard crust or moist snow, with the exception of high north-facing terrain. The lower snowpack is strong and settled.
Remember that cornices along ridgelines are large at this time of year and always have the possibility of failing naturally or from the weight of a human.
