South Coast Inland

Natural avalanche activity can be expected if the sun makes an appearance on Saturday.

Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Saturday: Overcast with possible sunny breaks in the afternoon / Light and variable winds / Freezing level rising to 2300mSunday: Clear skies / Light and variable winds / Freezing level at 2900mMonday: 10-15mm of precipitation / Moderate southerly winds / Freezing level at 2300m

No new avalanche activity was reported on Wednesday or Thursday. Looking forward, expect a new round of storm slab activity in response to new snow and strong winds on Friday night. If forecast warming and solar radiation arrive early, loose wet avalanches can also be expected.

Strong southeast winds and snowfall on Friday are expected to form new storm slabs in exposed lee terrain. Below the new storm snow, you'll find about 15-50 cm of relatively low-density snow which overlies a thick crust that was buried on January 6. This crust exists up to about 2000m. A widespread melt-freeze crust formed in mid-December is still on the radar of professionals in the northern portion of the region where it is down 40 to 50 cm below the surface. Recent observations have shown that there are rounding facets underneath the crust on shady aspects at and above treeline. Recent snowpack tests have produced easy sudden-planar results on solar aspects at and above treeline on this interface as well. Around the Coquihalla this interface is not problematic and is thought to be part of a well bonded mid-pack. The lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled.