Regions
South Coast Inland.
A Special Public Avalanche Warning is in effect for this region. Strong winds and warming will maintain high danger even though snow amounts are likely to taper off.
Confidence
Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain
Weather Forecast
THURSDAY NIGHT: Around 10 cm new snow above 1600 m.FRIDAY: A mix of sun and cloud in the morning with rain/snow developing in the afternoon (amounts of about 10 cm/mm). Very strong southerly winds (up to 100 km/h at ridgetop). Freezing level around 1900 m.SATURDAY: A mix of sun and cloud. Winds becoming light southwesterly. Freezing level around 900 m.SUNDAY: 10 cm or so new snow with a freezing level of around 1200 m. Strong southerly winds.
Avalanche Summary
We have had few observations from this region during the storm. Observations from the Sea to Sky region indicate there was a natural avalanche cycle to size 2 on Wednesday and Thursday. Similar avalanche activity has likely occurred in this region, and will likely continue to occur with continued storm snow in the forecast.
Snowpack Summary
Snowfall starting Sunday night has deposited 40-60 cm at higher elevations in the region. This has buried a weak, variable surface layer covering 20-30 cm of low density faceted snow. The new snow has not bonded well with the older snow. Prior to this storm, alpine snowpack depths varied around 120-180 cm, with an early November crust at bottom of the snowpack (down 100-120cm). This crust appears to be breaking down at higher elevations and has been unreactive to snowpack tests. Snowpack depths disappear quickly with decreasing elevations and new snow may just cover early season hazards at lower elevations.
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.