Reactive storm slabs will build over the day. Storm snow falls on a smooth crust, and surface hoar in sheltered low elevation terrain.
Choose low angle terrain free of overhead hazard. Minimize exposure to avalanche terrain during heavy snowfall & watch for signs of instability.
New snow will fall on a reactive surface hoar layer and smooth crust. Be extra cautious in sheltered areas at treeline and below where large surface hoar may be prevalent, especially in the Coquihalla.
A cold front stalls across the coast, bringing light snowfall and wind to the Inland region on Sunday afternoon before moving on Monday morning afternoon.
SATURDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with strong southwest winds. Freezing levels drop to 500 m. 5cm of snowfall is possible by morning.
SUNDAY: Cloudy with snowfall delivering up to 10-30cm over the day, favouring the Coquihalla. Freezing levels remain around 800 m. Alpine high +2. Moderate to strong southwest winds.
MONDAY: Another 10-15cm of snow is possible by Monday morning. Flurries continue, with cloudy skies. Winds ease to moderate northwesterlies. Freezing levels around 500 m. Alpine high -8.
TUESDAY: A mix of sun and cloud. Moderate northwest winds. Freezing levels below 500 m. Chance of flurries. Alpine high of -8.
No new avalanche activity has been reported.
Observations are limited. If you head out into the mountains, please share any observations or photos on the Mountain Information Network.
Storm snow accumulates above a variety of snow surfaces. At lower elevations a melt freeze crust exists on all aspects. A layer of weak surface hoar crystals has been reported above the crust in areas near Pemberton to 1900 m, and around the Coquihalla to 1200 m. This may be widespread throughout the region and will increase storm slab reactivity.
At higher elevations storm snow will sit over dry snow on shaded north facing aspects, and a thin melt freeze crust on sunny southern aspects.
The early December crust/facet layer can be found around 100-150 cm deep, most prominent between 1700 and 2100 m. This layer showed no reactivity from the warming event last weekend and is currently classified as dormant. Large loads may still be able to trigger avalanches on this layer.
