South Coast

Heavy rain is expected for Wednesday however, if the forecasted precipitation falls as snow, the avalanche hazard will increase.  Keep an eye on freezing levels and watch for new storm slabs if the rain turns to snow.

Moderate - Freezing levels are uncertain

TUESDAY NIGHT: Wet flurries. Accumulation 4-6 cm. Ridge wind moderate, south. Temperature 2. Freezing level 1200 m.WEDNESDAY: Rain changing to snow overnight. Precipitation 40-50 mm. Ridge wind extreme, south. Temperature 4. Freezing level rising to 2000 m.THURSDAY: Snow. Accumulation 30-40 cm. Ridge wind strong to extreme, southwest. Temperature 2. Freezing level 1000 m.FRIDAY: Snow. Accumulation 15-25. Ridge wind moderate, south. Temperature 2. Freezing level 1000 m.

Last Tuesday a skier was injured in a loose, wet avalanche on the North Shore mountains when the top 10-15 cm of wet snow released on the January 8th crust. On Saturday ski cutting produced loose wet sloughs in the top 5-10 cm of moist snow. On Friday explosive control produced a size 1 avalanche that released a 45 cm thick slab on a weak layer just above the January 7th crust.

The upper snowpack consists of 15-20 cm of wet snow above three prominent crusts (January 10th, January 8th and January 7th) from recent warm weather and rain events. The most notable layer is the January 7th rain crust, which is now buried 40-60 cm deep. The bond at this interface will likely gain strength over time; however, professionals are monitoring this layer as it has the potential to produce large avalanches in isolated terrain.The snowpack depth at 1000 m is about 150 cm and many early season hazards are still present.