The storm continues! Conditions are improving but don't let your guard down just yet.
Confidence
Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Saturday
Weather Forecast
This weather pattern is the gift that keeps on giving for the South Coast. THURSDAY: up to 10cm new snow, moderate south winds, freezing level at 1000m. FRIDAY: clear, moderate easterly winds, freezing level at 1000m. SATURDAY: another5-15cm, strong south winds, freezing level at 1000m.
Avalanche Summary
A widespread avalanche cycle is being reported as a series of storms pummels the coast range.
Snowpack Summary
As much as 100cm of new snow has fallen at upper elevations since the weekend. At lower elevations heavy rain on Tuesday probably formed a new crust that is now buried as deep as 30cm. Strong southerly winds have loaded lee features at ridge-top. The new snow is sitting on a supportive mid-pack in the Duffy whereas pre-storm reports from the Coquihalla described a shallower early season snowpack. Below tree-line snow depths are probably still below threshold for avalanches although I expect we'll be crossing that line soon.
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.