Avalanche Forecast

Poor - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain

Moderate to heavy precipitation is forecast to combine with strong winds from the southwest on Sunday night and into Monday. The freezing level is expected to rise to 1000-1200 metres on Monday and Tuesday. Moderate precipitation and moderate southwest winds are expected to continue for Tuesday and Wednesday. The precipitation is forecast to be confined to the coast. Inland areas around Smithers may be quite a bit drier and less windy.

No new avalanches observed. We suspect that the new storm will create new wind-slabs and possibly a new storm slab above the surface hoar that was observed on Saturday.

Varying temperature, precipitation intensity, and wind throughout the recent storms have probably resulted in weaknesses strewn throughout the top metre or so. However, the relatively warm post-storm temperatures on Thursday should favor settlement and strengthening. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong, with an old rain crust near the ground. Strong outflow winds from the east may build new wind-slabs on westerly aspects in areas that have snow available for transport. New surface hoar was observed in the Shames area on Saturday. The new snow on Saturday night came with very little wind effect and may have preserved the recent surface hoar.