Summary
Confidence
Fair - Freezing levels are uncertain
Weather Forecast
A strong ridge of high pressure continues to dominate with no sign of a breakdown in sight. The NW Coast should fair slightly better than the rest of the province with a few pulses of precip. Freezing levels are on the rise throughout the forecast period.Monday: Freezing Level: 1200m. Precip: 3/8mm; Wind: Lht S, Strong SW at ridgetop.Tuesday: Freezing Level: Inversion, Above Freezing Air from 1300 2100m; Precip: Nil; Wind: Mod, SW.Wednesday: Freezing Level: Inversion breaking down late in the day, Above Freezing Air from 1300 2000m; Precip: 1/3mm Wind: Mod, SW
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanche activity reported on Saturday. The last significant cycle tapered off Jan 15th. It featured natural avalanches to size 4 with releases on all aspects and elevations.
Snowpack Summary
Previously strong winds have left widespread wind loading/wind damaged snow in their wake. Most of these wind slabs are probably growing old and tired but may still pose a problem in bigger terrain. Warming temps along with a bit of rain at lower elevations has formed a variety of crusts at and below treeline. The early January surface hoar is most active in the north of the region between 900m and 1400m. It was a player during the last cycle even in low angled terrain. Look for it 70 -100 cm below the surface. Professionals continue to keep an eye on the basal facets which can be found down around two meters below the snow surface.