Regions
Northwest Inland.
This forecast is based on very limited information. If you are out for a holiday ski or snowmobile, please consider sending us your observations or posting on our website.
Confidence
Poor - Due to the number of field observations
Weather Forecast
The next storm system is expected to reach the North Coast on Friday afternoon. Light precipitation is expected to start on Friday afternoon with freezing levels reaching 700-1000m and alpine winds increasing to strong from the west. On Friday night/Saturday, 5-15mm of precipitation are expected with freezing levels staying near valley bottom and moderate NW winds in the alpine. Sunday should be mostly sunny and dry with freezing levels around valley bottom.
Avalanche Summary
On Tuesday we received a report of a size 1.5 skier remotely triggered avalanche in the far north of the region. It released on a steep, wind loaded feature and was triggered from 5m away. The slab was 25-45cm thick and occurred around 1600m elevation. On Sunday we received a report from the Hankin area of a natural size 1 slab avalanche. This occurred on a north aspect at treeline. The crown depth was around 20cm and it failed on the most recent rain crust.
Snowpack Summary
In the last week the region has received around 30-50cm of new snow. Strong winds have created wind slabs in exposed terrain and have probably striped the snow off of exposed slopes. Below the new snow you'll likely find old wind-scoured surfaces or old wind slabs in exposed terrain, and settled storm snow closer to treeline. Near the base of the snowpack, the mid-November crust-facet layer may still be a concern in isolated areas.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind 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.