There is a great deal of variability across the region. These danger ratings are for areas like Duffey Lake that have received higher precipitation amounts.
Confidence
Poor - Due to the number and quality of field observations
Weather Forecast
The freezing level is forecast to drop down to about 1000 metres by Friday morning. Friday is forecast to be unsettled with flurries and periods of convective snow showers. The next big system moves onto the south coast on Saturday morning, however it is not expected to push very far inland. Expect 10-15 cms of snow combined with strong southwest winds and rising freezing levels. Snow continuing on Sunday with freezing levels rising up to about 1800 metres.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches reported.
Snowpack Summary
There is a great deal of variability in the region. The Duffey Lake area has received the most snow and rain during the recent storm, and it has also had the highest freezing levels. The Coquihalla has a shallower snowpack with slightly cooler temperatures. Storm slabs of varying depths are developing above a mixture of old surfaces left behind after the recent high pressure.
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.