A Special Public Avalanche Warning is in effect for this region. Alpine areas near Squamish are where the danger will be highest.
Confidence
Moderate - Freezing levels are uncertain on Friday
Weather Forecast
THURSDAY NIGHT: Around 20 cm new snow above 1600 m. Around 20 mm rain at lower elevations.FRIDAY: A mix of sun and cloud, but very strong southerly winds (up to 100 km/h at ridgetop). Rain/snow starting up again on Friday night. Freezing level around 1700 m.SATURDAY: A mix of sun and cloud. Winds becoming light southwesterly. Freezing level around 900 m.SUNDAY: 25 cm or so new snow with a freezing level of around 1200 m. Strong southerly winds.
Avalanche Summary
A widespread avalanche cycle to size 2 has occurred in the neighboring Sea to Sky region. Similar avalanche activity can be expected at higher elevations in the South Coast region.
Snowpack Summary
Overnight rain will soak into recent new snow. One or more other crusts may already exist in the upper snowpack. Particularly at alpine elevations, new snow is not expected to bond well to underlying surfaces.Prior to the recent storms, the snowpack had been below threshold depth for avalanches in the North Shore mountains and terrain below 1500 m elevation. This situation is changing rapidly and it is now necessary to evaluate all open slopes for avalanche hazard. In alpine areas near Squamish, snow depths are now approximately 130 cm.
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.