Regions
South Coast Inland.
Another round of storms will maintain high avalanche danger for the South Coast Inland region. Use caution heading into the backcountry at this time.
Confidence
Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain
Weather Forecast
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: 20-30 cm new snow is expected overnight.THURSDAY: 15-25 cm new snow with freezing levels rising to around 1500 m. Strong southwesterly winds.FRIDAY: Around 10 cm new snow. Freezing levels rising to around 1900 m. Strong southerly winds.SATURDAY: Flurries with some clear spells. Freezing levels around 1000 m. Light southerly winds.
Avalanche Summary
We have had few observations from this region during the storm. Observations from the Sea to Sky region indicate there was a natural avalanche cycle to size 2 on Wednesday. Similar avalanche activity has likely occurred in this region, and will likely continue to occur with continued storm snow in the forecast.
Snowpack Summary
Snowfall starting Sunday night has deposited 30-40 cm at higher elevations in the region. This has buried a weak, variable surface layer covering 20-30 cm of low density faceted snow. The new snow has not bonded well with the older snow. Prior to this storm, alpine snowpack depths varied around 120-180 cm, with an early November crust at bottom of the snowpack (down 100-120cm). This crust appears to be breaking down at higher elevations and has been unreactive to snowpack tests. Snowpack depths disappear quickly with decreasing elevations and new snow may just cover early season hazards at lower elevations.
Problems
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.