Regions
Northwest Coastal.
The new storm has started and danger ratings are increasing.
Confidence
Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Wednesday
Weather Forecast
Overnight and Wednesday: A strong frontal system is expected to arrive overnight bringing moderate to heavy precipitation 30-40 cm. The freezing level jumps up to around 1000 m and winds are strong from the Southwest. Thursday:Continued moderate precipitation combined with moderate to strong Southwest winds. The freezing level remains close to 1000 m.Friday:There should be a bit of a lull between storms. Very little precipitation and moderate Westerly winds
Avalanche Summary
Avalanche activity is expected to increase through the week as snow accumulates and temperatures increase.
Snowpack Summary
Snowpack depths are highly variable across the region, with elevation, and in wind-exposed areas. Recent cold and clear weather has resulted in surface hoar formation and near-surface faceting, which is now getting buried by light dry snow. Low-elevation and wind-affected areas have a shallow faceted snowpack. While in higher elevation sheltered areas the previous storm snow is settling and gaining strength; however, weaknesses at the old snow interface down approximately 40cm may still exist. The lower snowpack is a series of crusts, some of which are laminated with facets, particularly in shallower areas.
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.