Regions
Northwest Coastal.
Watch for new wind slabs forming with light snowfall forecast for Monday.
Confidence
Fair - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Monday
Weather Forecast
Scattered snowfall (up to 5cm) is expected on Monday as a cold front moves over the region. Due to the convective nature of the snowfall, more intense precipitation may result in some areas. By late Tuesday, a ridge should bring clearing that should last until late Wednesday. By Wednesday evening, a more organized warm and wet frontal system will arrive. Ridgetop winds should be moderate from the southwest with Monday's snowfall, decreasing to light on Tuesday. Freezing levels should hover around 1200m on Monday and Tuesday, rising to about 1800m with Wednesday's system.
Avalanche Summary
On Saturday, a few isolated size 1 wind slabs were skier triggered in the north of the region. No other avalanches were reported.
Snowpack Summary
In high elevation lee terrain you may find smaller soft wind slabs which formed in response to recent southwest winds and light snowfall. These wind slabs overlie a variety of surfaces which include older wind slabs or melt-freeze crusts. On sun-exposed slopes and at lower elevations, the snowpack is likely in a spring melt-freeze cycle.Up to a metre below the surface you may find a hard crust which co-exists with facets. This condition seems more specific to the north of the region. Although reports suggest this layer has gained significant strength, I'd be wary of the possibility of isolated large avalanches on steep, unsupported slopes, especially if temperatures increase, or if solar radiation is strong. The mid-pack is generally well-settled and strong. At the base of the snowpack, weak facets may be found, particularly on shallow alpine slopes in the north of the region. Cornices are large and potentially fragile.
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.