Avalanche Forecast
Regions: South Coast.
Dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended, particularly during periods of heavy snowfall.
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations. Uncertainty is due to how quickly the snowpack will recover and gain strength.
Weather Forecast
MONDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, 40 km/h south wind, treeline temperature -5 C.
TUESDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 20 to 30 cm, 40 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperature -5 C.
WEDNESDAY: Increasing clouds with no precipitation, 20 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperature -6 C.
THURSDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 10 to 20 cm, 40 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperature -4 C.
Avalanche Summary
Many small storm slab avalanches were triggered on Sunday within the recent storm snow. A similar trend likely occurred as the storm continued on Monday.
We'd appreciate any observations while you are out travelling on the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
A substantial amount of snow has accumulated in the region since January 1, with storm totals over 100 cm for much of the region. More snow is forecast into Tuesday. All this snow has formed a touchy storm slab in sheltered areas and wind slabs in exposed terrain at higher elevations.
The storm snow overlies a weak layer formed during the cold spell in late December. The weak layer consists of sugary faceted grains as well as potentially feathery surface hoar found in areas sheltered from the wind. In high-elevation terrain exposed to the wind, the snow likely overlies a hard wind-affected surface.
The middle and base of the snowpack are strong, consisting of well-bonded snow and a few hard melt-freeze crusts.
Terrain and Travel
- Travel in alpine terrain is not recommended.
- Use increased caution at all elevations. Storm snow is forming touchy slabs.
- Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Stick to simple terrain and be aware of what is above you at all times.
- Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm snow totals have exceeded 100 cm since the weekend, with more snow forecast into Tuesday. Touchy storm slabs in sheltered areas and wind slabs in exposed areas have formed. These slabs may take some time to stabilize, as the sit on a weak snow surface formed during the cold spell.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3