Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Regions
South Coast.
As the storm eases off and temperatures drop, the snowpack is beginning to gain some strength. However, storm slabs are still likely to be encountered at upper elevations and could be reactive to human triggering, especially in wind loaded areas.
Confidence
Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Wednesday
Weather Forecast
SUNDAY NIGHT - Cloudy with clear periods and isolated flurries / southwest winds, 20-30 km/h / alpine low temperature near -4 / freezing level 500 mMONDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / west winds, 20-40 km/h / alpine high temperature near -4 / freezing level 500 m TUESDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / southeast winds, 20-40 km/h / alpine high temperature near -5 / freezing level 400 mWEDNESDAY - Rain, up to 25 mm / southeast winds, 25-60 km/h / alpine high temperature near +3 / freezing level 1500 m
Avalanche Summary
There have been no recent reports of avalanches in the South Coast region.Please submit any observations you have to the Mountain Information Network here.
Snowpack Summary
5-10 cm of new snow likely sits on a melt freeze crust at the treeline and the upper reaches of the below treeline elevation band. At upper elevations, where the recent precipitation fell as snow, over 100 cm has accumulated since the stormy weather began mid last week. At upper elevations in the north of the region near Squamish, there may be a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals) buried approximately 50 cm. Information on the strength and distribution of this layer is very limited.
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.
Cornices
Cornice Fall is the release of an overhanging mass of snow that forms as the wind moves snow over a sharp terrain feature, such as a ridge, and deposits snow on the downwind (leeward) side. Cornices range in size from small wind drifts of soft snow to large overhangs of hard snow that are 30 feet (10 meters) or taller. They can break off the terrain suddenly and pull back onto the ridge top and catch people by surprise even on the flat ground above the slope. Even small cornices can have enough mass to be destructive and deadly. Cornice Fall can entrain loose surface snow or trigger slab avalanches.