Confidence
Fair - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Monday
Weather Forecast
Synopsis: The current pattern seems to be stuck on repeat. NW flow directs the bulk of the moisture at the North Coast leaving the South Coast largely high and dry. Winds are the big story Monday and Tuesday. If you believe in Miracles, there's a suggestion of a storm that could reach the South Coast on Thursday night. Cross your fingers.Monday: Freezing Level: 750m Precip: 2/5mm 2/8cm Wind: Initially light & Variable building to Strong SW late in the afternoon.Tuesday: Freezing Level: 750m Precip: Trace Wind: Mod W switching NW in the afternoon.Wednesday: Freezing Level: 500m Precip: Trace Wind: Light, W.
Avalanche Summary
No significant avalanche activity reported on Saturday.
Snowpack Summary
Previously strong SW winds formed thin wind slabs in isolated terrain features that produced a few size one avalanches. Warm temperatures resulted in a melt freeze crust in place below 1800m. Roughly 25-50cm below the surface you may find a variety of old surfaces which formed during the early December cold snap. These surfaces include sugary faceted snow (which may overlie a crust in some areas) and spotty surface hoar in sheltered terrain. In most places the overlying slab seems to be well bonded to this interface thanks to ongoing moderate temperatures.Snowpack depths vary greatly across the region, but are significantly lower than average for this time of year. Terrain below treeline is still mostly below threshold for avalanche activity. Early season riding hazards such as rocks, stumps and logs are lurking below the surface in many areas. In glaciated terrain new snow on the surface might be just enough to hide open crevasses where supportive snow bridges have not yet developed.
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.