There is a great deal of variability in the region. Avalanche Danger is increasing as a series of storms approaches from the southwest.
Confidence
Low - Due to the number and quality of field observations
Weather Forecast
Light snow Friday night resulting in 3-5 cm by Saturday morning combined with moderate southwest winds. 5-10 cm during the day Saturday with strong southerly winds and freezing levels around 1200 metres. 10-20 cm on Sunday with rising freezing levels and strong southwest winds. Storm continuing on Monday.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches reported.
Snowpack Summary
There is a great deal of variability in the region. The Duffey Lake area has received the most snow and rain during the recent storms, and it has also had the highest freezing levels. The Coquihalla has a shallower snowpack with slightly cooler temperatures. Storm slabs of varying depths are developing above a mixture of old surfaces left behind after the recent high pressure. We have not had many observations from this region, if you are out in the mountains please submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network.
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.