Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

THURSDAY NIGHT: Around 10 cm new snow above 1600 m.FRIDAY: A mix of sun and cloud in the morning with rain/snow developing in the afternoon (amounts of about 10 cm/mm). Very strong southerly winds (up to 100 km/h at ridgetop). Freezing level around 1900 m.SATURDAY: A mix of sun and cloud. Winds becoming light southwesterly. Freezing level around 900 m.SUNDAY: 10 cm or so new snow with a freezing level of around 1200 m. Strong southerly winds.

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 and Thursday. Similar avalanche activity has likely occurred in this region, and will likely continue to occur with continued storm snow in the forecast.

Snowfall starting Sunday night has deposited 40-60 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.