Avalanche Forecast
Regions: South Coast.
Confidence
Moderate - Freezing levels are uncertain on Tuesday
Weather Forecast
MONDAY NIGHT: 25-35 mm rain / 25-35 cm snow at higher elevations. Alpine temperature -2. Freezing level 1300 m. Strong south wind.TUESDAY: 10-20 mm of rain / 10-20 cm snow at higher elevations. Alpine temperature -1. Moderate southwest wind. Freezing level 1500 mWEDNESDAY: Rain showers or flurries, accumulation 5cm. Alpine temperature -3. Light southwest wind. Freezing level 1200 mTHURSDAY: 30-40 mm rain / 30-40 cm snow at higher elevations. Alpine temperature 1. Strong southwest wind. Freezing level 2000 m.
Avalanche Summary
No new reports of avalanches in the region; however, in the neighbouring Sea to Sky region numerous natural and explosives controlled avalanches have been reported through the last several days. Similar avalanche activity could likely be found at high elevations in the South Coast region. The latest storm arriving Monday night will start a fresh round of direct action avalanches on steeper or leeward facing slopes at upper elevations where more than 20 or 30 cm of snow accumulates.
Snowpack Summary
Recent precipitation has come as rain resulting in a moist or wet surface snow. The exception is higher elevations near Squamish where dry snow likely exists. For these higher elevation areas, expect to see storm snow from the past few days approaching 100cm with accompanied thick wind deposits in alpine lee terrain. In alpine areas near Squamish, snow depths are now over 200 cm.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Very Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Loose Wet
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5