Confidence
Fair - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Thursday
Weather Forecast
The arctic air mass that has be sitting over much of BC for the last week is starting to retreat as a series of storm fronts drive warmer air into the province. Expect isolated flurries and light winds from the southwest on Wednesday The precipitation will intensify slightly on Thursday with southwest winds at ridgetop will strengthening through the day. Friday will see a brief clearing with sunny periods, and light winds.
Avalanche Summary
Avalanche observations and snow pit tests indicate that lingering windslabs may still be reactive.
Snowpack Summary
Snowpack depths vary greatly across the region with an average of 100cm at treeline. Terrain below treeline is still mostly below threshold for avalanche activity.Arctic outflow winds have redistributed the snows that fell last week forming wind slabs on S to SW slopes at treeline and in the alpine. Surface hoar has been growing over the last week in protected locations near tree line while the cold temperatures have driven faceting throughout the snowpack, especially in shallow areas.A few crusts can be found near the ground, especially at higher higher elevations. There haven't been any reports of avalanches on these layers, but they're worth looking for it if you dig a pit.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind 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.