Confidence
Poor - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain on Friday
Weather Forecast
Synopsis: The precipitation associated with a Pineapple Express weather system approaching the province Thursday and Friday is not forecast to affect the region. However, the associated warm temperatures will. Thursday: Little to no precipitation, winds moderate from the west and alpine temperatures of -2. Freezing level rising to 1600m.Friday: Light snow, strong westerly winds and alpine temperatures -4. Freezing level to 2000m.Saturday: Light snow, Light southwest winds, and freezing level of 1800m.
Avalanche Summary
Recent reports indicate natural and skier triggered loose snow avalanches to size 1 at tree line and in the alpine.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 30 cm of recent storm snow sits above old surfaces including loose dry snow, old wind slabs and sun crusts. This recent snow has been shifted onto lee slopes by strong SW to NW winds. New storm slabs, cornices and wind slabs are likely. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and stable.
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.
Cornices
Cornice Fall is the release of an overhanging mass of snow that forms as the wind moves snow over a sharp terrain feature, such as a ridge, and deposits snow on the downwind (leeward) side. Cornices range in size from small wind drifts of soft snow to large overhangs of hard snow that are 30 feet (10 meters) or taller. They can break off the terrain suddenly and pull back onto the ridge top and catch people by surprise even on the flat ground above the slope. Even small cornices can have enough mass to be destructive and deadly. Cornice Fall can entrain loose surface snow or trigger slab avalanches.