630 am update: The danger rating applies to areas in the eastern ranges that received significant snowfall overnight. Elsewhere, avalanche danger may be a step lower but storm slabs could still remain sensitive to rider triggers, especially in wind loaded terrain features. Take a conservative approach, ease into terrain cautiously and watch for signs of instability.
Deep, fresh storm slabs can be found in areas that saw significant snowfall Saturday and Saturday night. Elsewhere, recent snow may remain reactive to rider triggers in wind loaded terrain features at upper elevations.
On the north island, there may remain potential for slabs to fail down to a buried crust, 50-80 cm deep, propagate widely and run surprisingly far.
With poor visibility through the storm(s), avalanche observations have been limited to loose dry up to size 2 observed at various elevations by our field team on Thursday.
A slew of MINs from the Mt Cain area last weekend reported several rider triggered storm/wind slab avalanches up to size 2. We suspect they were running on a recently buried crust.
If you head into the backcountry please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network!
20-50 cm of recent snow has likely seen some redistribution into lee terrain features by moderate wind at upper elevations, while remaining soft in sheltered areas.
A thick, widespread crust formed in mid February now sits 50-90 cm deep. Near Mt Cain, the crust is glassy with faceted crystals sitting on top of it, which makes for a poor bond to the overlying slab of snow. For more details, check out this reel from our field team! Elsewhere the crust seems to be bonding well. You can check the bond in your local area by performing a simple hand shear test on an isolated block.
The mid and lower snowpack is well consolidated, containing a series of well-bonded crusts.
A persistent low whirls in place offshore of Washington, wrapping around to impact the eastern ranges of Vancouver Island over the next few days. Expecting heaviest snowfall Saturday night in Strathcona Park with accumulating flurries continuing into the week. Freezing levels will hover around 800 m.
Saturday night
5-10 cm in most areas, 20-30 cm in the Strathcona area. Strong southeast wind. Alpine high -4 ºC.
Sunday
5-10 cm in most areas. Southeast wind easing to light. Alpine high -2 ºC.
Monday
Around 5 cm in most places, up to 20 cm in the northwest overnight then clearing to a mix of sun and cloud. Light southeast wind. Alpine high -2 ºC.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud. Light southeast wind. Alpine high -2 ºC.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
