Significant snow continues, with rising freezing levels and strong winds. Travel in the alpine is not recommended, and avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain.
Continued heavy precipitation, accompanied by strong southerly wind, will build fresh, reactive storm slabs that may be deeper and most reactive in wind-loaded terrain.
Loose wet avalanches will become increasingly likely on steep slopes as heavy rain will destabilize and soak the storm snow. Keep in mind that wet avalanches can be destructive due to their high density.
The region received up to 25-50 cm of snow over the last 2 days, with heavy rain below 1000 m. The total of storm snow is now up to 50-80 cm in localized areas.
In the alpine, strong southerly winds have redistributed this new snow. A widespread crust, that varies in thickness and strength, is now found down 60 to 90 cm. The mid and lower snowpack appears to be well-bonded, but field observations have been limited early in the season. The height of snow at treeline is roughly 100-150 cm, and decreases drastically at lower elevations.
A natural widespread cycle occurred Sunday night, with several storm slab avalanches up to size 2 running from steep unsupported alpine and treeline features near Terrace. Reactivity is expected to increase with additional snow/rain, wind and rising temperatures on Monday night and Tuesday.
If you do go into the backcountry, head out with a very conservative mindset and consider submitting a Mountain Information Network report.
A large and impactful weather system will continue to bring heavy precipitation and windy conditions. High-freezing levels are expected until mid-week.
Monday night
Heavy snow/rain; 15-20 cm. Southwesterly ridgetop winds gusting 90 km/h. Treeline temperatures reach 0 °C as the freezing level rises to 1500 m.
Tuesday
Heavy precipitations continue with 20-25 cm of snow /rain with an additional 5-10 cm overnight. Southerly ridgetop winds gusting 90 km/h. Treeline temperatures near -1 °C. Freezing levels return to 1200 m.
Wednesday
Light precipitations, 5-10 cm of snow/ rain. Moderate ridgetop winds up to 45 km/h. Treeline temperatures near -4 °C. Freezing levels lower to valley bottom.
Thursday
Periods of snow, Light ridgetop winds up to 20 km/h. Treeline temperatures near -6 °C. Freezing levels at valley bottom.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
