Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain. If you receive more than 20 cm of new snow, consider the danger HIGH in the alpine.
Confidence
Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain
Weather Forecast
The next Pacific frontal system will reach the Interior tonight spreading moderate precipitation amounts through Wednesday. Average snow amounts range from 10-20 cm by Wednesday afternoon. Ridgetop winds will be moderate-strong from the SW, alpine temperatures -7 and dropping. A split flow in the jet stream will guide subsequent Pacific storms south of B.C. bringing mostly dry and unsettled weather Thursday and Friday. The next storm will move onshore sometime Saturday.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported. With forecast new snow, building storm slabs and loose snow avalanche problems may persist through Wednesday.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 5 cm of new snow overlies recent surface hoar and near surface facets. New building storm slabs and isolated wind slabs overlie old surfaces including surface hoar, facets, and possible sun crusts on steep southerly aspects. Below this, the upper pack is mostly drying out (through faceting). In general, the mid and lower snowpack are strong, with any weak layers considered dormant for now. Snowpack depths are variable and shallow snowpack areas may have weak facetted crystals near the ground.
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.