Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Regions
Northwest Coastal.
The forecast is based on limited field data. Please feel free to send your observations to [email protected]
Confidence
Poor - Due to the number of field observations
Weather Forecast
Sunday: The recent frontal system will slide north through the region bringing mild temperatures and light precipitation. Winds initially light then becoming strong from the southwest by the afternoon. The freezing levels are expected to rise to 1700m.Monday: A break between systems will bring light precipitation and strong southerly winds. Freezing levels could rise to 2500m with a possible inversion;, however, there is some disagreement between models.Outlook for Tuesday: Another warm frontal system approaches the coast bringing light precipitation amounts.
Avalanche Summary
No avalanche activity has been reported from the region. This may speak more to the lack of observations rather than actual conditions. If you are out and see recent avalanches, please send your observations to [email protected].
Snowpack Summary
The information coming from this region has been extremely limited and significant spatial variability in snow depths likely exist across the region this time of the year. Reports from the field suggest snow depths of approximately 120cm at treeline in the Shames backcountry area.A recent storm has deposited approximately 20cm of snow at lower elevations and you can expect more snow at higher elevations. Recent moderate to strong southwest winds deposited fresh winds slabs in lee terrain features. The few reports we have received suggest the mid to lower snowpack is reasonably consolidated but keep in mind the snowpack is young, and weaknesses (crusts, surface hoar or facets) may exist.
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.
Storm Slabs
Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-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.