A shift to easterly outflow winds is likely to gradually expand our wind slab problem to all aspects. Avalanche danger will be CONSIDERABLE if strong winds arrive before the end of the day.
A shift to strengthening easterly winds on Tuesday means that wind slabs could be found on a wide range of aspects by the end of the day. This problem will likely be most pronounced at higher, more wind-exposed elevations.
Monday night: Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries and a trace of new snow. Light northwest winds.
Tuesday: Mainly cloudy. Light to moderate east winds, increasing over the day. Alpine high temperatures around -11.
Wednesday: Mainly sunny. Moderate to strong northeast winds. Alpine high temperatures around -16.
Thursday: Sunny. Moderate variable winds, easing over the day. Alpine high temperatures around -10.
No new avalanches have yet been reported in the region, but it's safe to assume Saturday's storm caused natural avalanche activity at higher elevations.
For the early part of this week, the focus remains on the new snow, particularly in areas where winds may have blown it into deep and reactive wind slabs.
Concern is reduced in areas where the new snow wasn't quite able to overcome the depth of ground roughness.
25 to 30 cm of new snow accumulated in the region over the course of Saturday's storm. Observations in the region are limited, but we have indications that for most areas where previous snow cover existed, the new snow buried a supportive melt-freeze crust.
Given the lack of recent snowpack observations, the new snow's bond with the old surface remains in question.
Total snow depths are likely approaching 50-70 cm at alpine elevations in the Smithers area, with depths diminishing rapidly with elevation below 1500 metres.
