Regions
South Coast Inland.
The incoming storm will bring variable amounts of snowfall to the region. Be prepared to back off to mellow terrain if there's evidence of heavy loading in your riding area.
Confidence
Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain
Weather Forecast
SATURDAY: Flurries with 5-20 cm of new snow, 30-50 km/h southwest winds, alpine temperatures -12.SUNDAY: Flurries with 5 cm of new snow, 20-40 km/h southwest winds, alpine temperatures -14.MONDAY: Sun and cloud, 20-30 km/h northwest winds, alpine temperatures -20.
Avalanche Summary
On Thursday avalanche reports were limited to sluffing in steep terrain. Sustained wind and new snow will continue to build wind fresh and touchy winds slabs in exposed alpine and treeline terrain, especially in parts of the region that receive heavier snowfall.
Snowpack Summary
The incoming storm is bringing light amounts of new snow with moderate winds. These conditions will continue to form wind slabs in exposed terrain. Southern parts of the region could see larger accumulations. The cold arctic air has left a complex surface for this new snow to fall onto. Changing wind directions over the past week have formed wind slabs on various aspects in exposed terrain. Small 2-3 mm surface hoar has been reported throughout the region in sheltered terrain and sits above loose faceted snow. This structure will likely become weak when loaded by new snow or wind. In the Duffey area, another small surface hoar layer can be found 20 cm deep and may become reactive with new loading. The mid-pack is generally well settled down to a widespread crust near the bottom of the snowpack. Recent reports suggest facets have formed above the crust. Although tests are indicating the layer is unreactive, it may be possible to trigger this layer in shallow rocky start zones. Total snowpack depths are 80-130 cm at treeline, and significantly less below treeline.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.