Conservative terrain selection is critical. Don't let the lull before the next storm lure you into a more aggressive approach. Dangerous avalanche conditions still exist.
Weather Forecast
A series of Pacific frontal systems will continue to dominate the weather pattern and hit the coastal regions throughout the forecast period. At this point model runs seem to be in agreement with timing and precipitation amounts, higher accumulations expected for the Coquihalla area.Saturday/Saturday night: Snow amounts 5 cm during the day with near 15 cm overnight. Alpine temperatures high of -4.0. Light-moderate SW ridgetop winds and freezing levels rising to 1200 m. Sunday: Snow amounts near 15 cm. Alpine temperatures near -9.0. Moderate-strong SW ridgetop winds and freezing levels at valley bottom.Monday: Light snow amounts expected as the bulk of the system moves inland.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanche observations have been reported.
Snowpack Summary
The Northern parts of the region have recently received up to 60 cm of new snow. The Southern areas have seen anywhere up to 100 cm. This new storm snow overlies a variety of old surfaces. These old surfaces consist of weak surface facets, surface hoar (more predominant at treeline and below treeline elevations), a scoured crust, wind press, or any combination of these. Professionals are expressing particular concern for the combination of buried facets on a crust being unusually reactive at lower elevations. Reports of whumphing and widespread avalanche activity further indicate a poor bond between the new snow and these old surfaces. Strong to extreme winds are shifting the new snow into deeper, reactive wind slabs in exposed terrain. The mid and lower snowpack are generally strong and well-settled. Although basal facets and depth hoar are likely to exist in the north of the region, but triggering has become unlikely.
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.