The Northwest Coast is about to get slammed by a significant storm. Heavy snow and very high winds are expected on Monday. Expect Avalanche Danger to increase throughout the day.
A combo of heavy precipitation and up to 100 km/h winds suggest a serious storm slab problem will be developing on Monday.
Avalanche activity is expected to be widespread on Monday. Avalanche hazard will increase throughout the day with heavy snow and strong winds in the forecast.
SUNDAY NIGHT - Snow 10-15 cm / southwest winds, 40-70 km/h / alpine low temperature near -5
MONDAY - Snow, 15-25 cm / southwest winds, 60-100 km/h / alpine high temperature near -1 / freezing level 800 m
TUESDAY - Flurries, 5-10 cm / southwest winds, 30-50 km/h / alpine high temperature near -2
WEDNESDAY - Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries / light north west winds / alpine high temperature near -6
10-15 cm of new snow from Sunday night is likely sitting on a mix of hard wind slabs, sugary faceted snow, and feathery surface hoar crystals. With heavy snow continuing throughout the day, there could be as much as 30-40 cm of new snow by the end of the day on Monday. Rain can be expected below about 800 m elevation. With up to 100 km/h winds in the forecast, the new snow will be redistributed into slabs that will likely be very reactive.
Total snowpack amounts by the end of Monday may be in the 60-120 cm range, tapering quickly at lower elevations.
