Avalanche Forecast

Fair - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Sunday

The next wave of the storm is focused on the Central Coast region around Bella Coola. Areas to the north are not expected to get more than about 10 cm on Saturday night, and another 5 cm by noon Sunday. The freezing level is expected to rise to about 700 metres on Sunday and then drop down to the valley bottoms by Monday morning. There is a chance of some convective flurries on Monday before the weak ridge of high pressure brings drier conditions. The next Pacific frontal system is forecast for Tuesday. Expect heavy precipitation and strong westerly winds with a rising freezing level.

No new avalanches have been reported from the region. Persistent weak layers continue to be buried by incremental loads of new snow. The forecast storm for Tuesday may overload the weak layers that are down about 60cm.

A few cm of new snow was blown around by the wind on Saturday developing thin new windslabs at ridgetops. Currently, up to 60cm of snow sits over the mid February interface. This interface is variable, it consists of a strong melt freeze crust below 1000m, above 1000 m exists facets, surface hoar (in more sheltered areas), sun crust or wind press. The surface hoar is not widespread but is responsible for much of the larger avalanches that occurred earlier this week. This layer should be on your radar, as it may be susceptible to rider triggers.