Recent storm snow amounts have been higher than forecast, and have resulted in natural avalanche activity. Please share your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Weather Forecast
A low pressure system is expected to slide up the coast from the southwest overnight. At this time it looks like most of the precipitation will be to the east of the region. It would not take much of a change of course for this system to drop 15-25 cm of new snow on the South Coast especially the east of the region near Hemlock.
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanche observations reported.
Snowpack Summary
There is not enough snow yet for avalanches below treeline, but expect to find a metre or more at treeline and above. The upper snowpack is likely moist and heavy with deep wind drifts on leeward slopes. A thick crust can probably be found down around 50cm at treeline elevations. When traveling in the mountains, maintain an investigative approach and dig down to test for weak layers before committing to a slope. If you have been in the mountains, please share your observations on our Mountain Information Network.
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.