Expect reactive storm slabs to build over the day on weak layers of crust and surface hoar.
Greater snowfall is expected in west and near Mt Arrowsmith: if you see more than 30 cm above the crust at any elevation, danger is considerable.
Expect the bond between storm snow and the smooth crust below to be poor.
Be extra cautious in sheltered areas at treeline and below where surface hoar may be prevalent and increase likelihood of triggering.
A front stalls across the coast Saturday night, bringing moderate snowfall and wind to the Island before moving on Sunday afternoon.
SATURDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with strong southwest winds. Up to 10 cm of snowfall for most areas. Freezing levels around 1000 m. Up to 20 mm may be seen in the far west, with mixed precipitation or rain expected at lower elevations.
SUNDAY: Cloudy with moderate to strong southwest winds. Snowfall continues delivering additional 5-20cm by Sunday afternoon. Mountains in the far west and Mt Arrowsmith may see around 30 cm. Freezing levels around 1500 m. Alpine high +2.
MONDAY: Cloudy with sunny breaks. Isolated flurries possible. Winds switch to moderate from the northwest. Freezing levels stay below 1000 m. Alpine high of 1.
TUESDAY: Clearing skies with a chance of flurries. Strong northwest winds. Alpine high of 0. Freezing levels below 1000 m.
No new avalanche activity has been reported.
Observations remain limited. If you head out into the mountains, please share any observations or photos on the Mountain Information Network.
Storm snow is accumulating on a thick and supportive crust that extends to mountain top. Surface hoar may be present above the crust on shaded and wind sheltered at treeline and below, increasing reactivity of storm slabs.
Below this crust, snow is moist down 30-50 cm where several old crusts are now breaking down. The middle and base of the snowpack are well settled and strong, consisting of well bonded snow and several hard melt-freeze crusts. The snowpack has receded back to marginal levels below treeline with many hazards present.
