Winter has returned! Be patient and avoid avalanche terrain while the storm snow settles. Early season hazards are still lurking below the surface.
A large amount of snow is falling on a thin, early season snowpack. This rapid change will increase the likelihood of avalanches, especially where existing snow has smoothed out rough ground surfaces.
Expect avalanche activity to be widespread as this new storm dumps a large amount of snow over a thin, early season snowpack.
See this MIN post regarding touchy conditions on Mt. Seymour on Friday.
Up to 50 cm of new snow has introduced rapid change to the thin, early season snowpack. In the alpine and upper treeline the new snow could form rider triggerable storm slabs on specific slopes that are above threshold.
The new snow is falling on a variety of early season surfaces, including crusts and 5-15 cm of recent snow. Previously, snow coverage in the region was generally thin, patchy and showing lots of ground roughness. Average snowpack depths at treeline ranged from 20 to 60 cm and tapered off rapidly below treeline.
Friday Night
Cloudy. 30-50 cm of snow expected, with the highest amounts on the immediate coast. Strong south or southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -3°C.
Saturday
Cloudy. 5-10 cm of snow expected. Moderate Southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -5°C.
Sunday
Cloudy. 10-15 cm of new snow expected. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level rising to 1250 m.
Monday
Cloudy. Moderate to heavy rain expected. Moderate to strong south or southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level rising to 2750m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
