Regions
Northwest Inland.
Avalanche danger is expected to increase with each pulse of Pacific moisture and forecast strong winds.
Confidence
Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain
Weather Forecast
Overnight and Thursday: Pacific moisture on the coast is expected to push inland overnight bringing 10-15 cms of new snow by morning and another 5-10 cms during the day. Expect strong Southwest winds and freezing levels rising to about 1200 metres briefly during the storm.Friday: Precipitation should stop by morning followed by light flurries during the day. Moderate snow should begin again in the evening. Strong Southwest winds starting in the evening. Freezing level rising to about 1500 metres.Saturday: Continued moderate snowfall with strong Southwest winds and freezing level near 1500 metres.
Avalanche Summary
Avalanche activity is expected to increase through the week as snow accumulates and temperatures increase.
Snowpack Summary
Snowpack depths are likely highly variable across the region, with elevation, and in wind-exposed areas. Recent cold and clear weather has resulted in surface hoar formation and/or near surface facetting, which is now getting buried by light dry snow. Low-elevation and wind-affected areas likely have a shallow faceted snowpack. While in higher elevation sheltered areas the recent storm snow is likely settling and gaining strength; however, weaknesses at the old snow interface down approximately 40cm may still exist. Average snowpack depths near treeline are highly variable, but around a metre in sheltered areas.
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.