Conditions will change rapidly with elevation. Travel conservatively to avoid fresh wind slabs up high and loose wet avalanches if the clouds clear.
New wind slabs may have formed above the rain-snow line from recent snow and strong southwest wind. The new snow will likely remain touchy on Friday, particularly in lee terrain features where the deepest deposits will be found.
Clearing on Friday afternoon could cause the new snow to moisten on sun-exposed slopes, forming loose wet avalanches.
THURSDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with rain or high-alpine snowfall, accumulation 20 to 30 mm, moderate to strong southwest wind, alpine temperature -2 C, freezing level between 2000 m and 2400 m.
FRIDAY: Cloudy with snowfall and afternoon clearing, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, moderate west wind, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level 1700 m.
SATURDAY: Clear skies, light north wind, alpine temperature -4 C, freezing level 1900 m.
SUNDAY: Mix of sun and clouds, light west wind, alpine temperature 0 C, freezing level 2200 m.
There were no avalanche reports available on Wednesday. Avalanche activity should increase on Thursday into Friday as the storm pummels the Coast Mountains.
If you have any recent observations during your travels, we would greatly appreciate it if you posted a photo or any other information to the Mountain Information Network (MIN). Thanks!
Rain fell to around 2000 to 2500 m on Thursday. Above the rain-snow line, around 10 to 20 cm of snow likely fell with associated strong southwest wind. A freezing level decrease Friday night will drop another 5 to 10 cm of snow down to 1700 m by Friday morning. Below the rain-snow line, the snowpack is saturated and rapidly melting.
