A storm may increase avalanche danger, particularly in the north of the region. Danger will be LOW until at least ~10 cm of snow accumulates. Watch for changing conditions over the course of the day.
New wind slabs may form over the day as new snow and strong wind impact the region. The slabs may be thickest and touchiest in lee terrain features near ridges. Most snow is forecast for the north of the region; slabs may not have time to develop by the end of the day in the south of the region.
FRIDAY NIGHT: Increasing clouds with early-morning snowfall, accumulation 1 to 3 cm, 20 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -7 C.
SATURDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 15 cm in the north of the region and 2 to 10 cm in the south, 40 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -4 C, freezing level 1500 m.
SUNDAY: Early-morning snowfall then clearing, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, 20 km/h northwest wind, alpine temperature -5 C.
MONDAY: Clear skies, 10 km/h northwest wind, alpine temperature 0 C, freezing level rising to 2200 m.
No new avalanches were observed on Thursday. Looking forward, avalanche activity may spike during stormy conditions on Saturday and into the night.
A storm will bring snow above around 1500 m and strong southwest wind. The most snow is forecast for the north of the region (e.g., Duffey and Hurley) with lesser amounts in the south (e.g., Coquihalla and Manning). New wind slabs may form as the snow blows into thicker deposits at higher elevations. Storm slabs could develop in isolated areas that receive around 15 cm or greater of snow. The new snow likely overlies a hard melt-freeze crust everywhere except for on north aspects above around 1600 m. Below the rain-snow line, rain will soak an already moist snowpack.
Cornices are large and looming along ridgelines. Their release is unpredictable, requiring a large berth if you're travelling above or below them.
