Another storm will impact the South Coast ranges Saturday and could extend into this region.
Dial back your terrain choices if there is more than 25 cm of recent snow where you are riding.
Upcoming precipitations and strong southerly winds will continue to develop wind slabs at upper elevations. These slabs may not bond well to the underlying surfaces, especially if a melt-freeze crust is present. Rider-triggerable avalanches will be possible, on steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
Rain and above-freezing temperatures have weakened the snowpack at low elevations, which may remain weak until a solid crust forms. Watch for unstable snow on steep terrain, where loose avalanches are likely to get triggered.
Wet loose avalanches (up to size 1.5) were reported at all aspects and all elevations with warm weather on Thursday in the region.
If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a report to the Mountain Information Network.
Up to 10 cm of heavy wet snow can be found at upper elevations. Moist snow or crusty surface formed up to 1800 m on all aspects due to elevated freezing levels Thursday. This overlies on a variety of surfaces, including melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects, wind-affected snow on open slopes and leeward features. Snow at low elevations is rapidly melting out. The mid and lower snowpack consists of several old crusts and facetted snow that continue to be monitored, particularly in shallow snowpack areas.
Wet, warm & windy conditions are expected to impact the region as two more storms will roll into the South Coast ranges Saturday and Sunday.
Friday night
Cloudy. Isolated flurries up to 5-10 cm. Moderate southwest wind gusting 50 km/h. Alpine low -3 °C. Freezing level lowers to 1200 m.
Saturday
Snow. 10-15 cm. Moderate southwest wind gusting 50 km/h. Alpine high -3 °C. Freezing level steady at 1300 m.
Sunday
Rain 20-30 mm. Heavy snow at upper elevations only. Strong southwest wind gusting 50 km/h. Alpine high -1 °C. Freezing level steady around 1800 m.
Monday
Cloudy. Isolated flurries up to 5 cm. Moderate southwest wind gusting 40 km/h. Alpine low -3 °C. Freezing level lowers to 1200 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
