Regions
South Coast Inland.
A storm is approaching from the north and will form fresh wind slabs at higher elevations.
Confidence
Moderate - Timing of incoming weather systems is uncertain
Weather Forecast
SUNDAY NIGHT: Increasing cloud overnight, 30-50 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperatures drop to -8 C.MONDAY: Storm approaches from the north with 5-15 cm of snow by the evening in northern parts of the region, less in the south, 40-70 km/h southwest wind, alpine high temperatures -5 C, freezing level 800 m.TUESDAY: Snow continues throughout the day with total accumulation of 15-30 cm over the course of the storm, 20-30 km/h northwest wind, alpine high temperatures near -5 C, freezing level 1000 m.WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries then clearing in the afternoon, light northwest wind, alpine high temperatures near -5 C, freezing level 1200 m.
Avalanche Summary
Over the past few days, a few small (size 1) loose and slab avalanches were triggered naturally and by skiers within recent storm snow. On Saturday, one size 2 wind slab avalanche was triggered by a skier north of Pemberton. The avalanche occurred on a southwest aspect at 1850 m.
Snowpack Summary
New snow will accumulate above 10 to 15 cm of recent snow. Strong southwest wind will likely form drifts and wind slabs in exposed areas. Beneath this recent snow you may find hard wind-affected snow at higher elevations, soft and faceted snow in shaded and sheltered areas, and melt-freeze crusts on southerly slopes. The middle and lower snowpack is generally well-settled.
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.