South Coast

Above freezing alpine temperatures are expected to continue. Check out the new Forecaster Blog for an update on the “Touchy Weak Layer.”

No new large avalanches reported. Some thin wind slab releases up to size 1.5 due to reverse loading were reported. Snow-balling and moist loose avalanches were reported from Southerly aspects. Extensive explosive control did not result in any releases on the deeply buried weak layer in the Coquihalla area on Tuesday.

In the southern portion of the region up to 200 cm of settled storm snow sits on a crust/facet combination buried in mid February. In northern sections this weakness includes surface hoar and is generally down 60-100 cm. Recent snowpack tests indicate that this weak layer may be gaining strength, but professionals remain suspect. The mid and lower snowpack are generally strong and well-settled. However, basal facets and depth hoar are likely to exist in the north of the region and still deserve respect on thin rocky alpine slopes.

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Thursday

Overnight and Thursday: Warm air is expected to be trapped in the alpine overnight (temperature inversion), and continue to bring above freezing temperatures to the alpine on Thursday. Light Southwest winds are forecast overnight becoming Northerly when the arctic front slides down from the North. There is a chance of flurries Thursday evening depending on the timing of the cooler air.Friday: Freezing levels should drop down to valley bottoms overnight and then rise up to about 1000 metres with strong solar radiation and gusty Northeast outflow winds.Saturday: Clear and cold overnight. Gusty strong Northerly outflow winds becoming light Westerly as cloud moves into the region in the afternoon.