Promising weather on the South Coast slopes for Family Day weekend
Posted February 14, 2020 10:47 am.
Last Updated February 14, 2020 10:50 am.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — For the first time in a long time, the backcountry avalanche ratings aren’t riddled with red-flags.
While the South Coast and Sea to Sky show “low” danger below treeline, above the alpine, it is still “moderate.”
Avalanche Canada is warning strong winds will move snow around at high elevations, creating the risk of wind slabs.
NEWS 1130 Meteorologist Russ Lacate says while the driving conditions on the Sea to Sky could be slippery, the mountains will be in great condition.
“A persistently low-freezing level is great news for skiers and boarders heading to Whistler for the long weekend,” he says. “It’s more flurries tonight, and more flurries Saturday adding to your recent fresh snowpack.”
However, conditions are improving compared to earlier this season. In January, extreme avalanche warnings were in place for the Sea to Sky region.
RELATED: ‘Don’t go out backcountry’: Avalanche risk extreme on some B.C. mountains
Freezing levels should ensure snows stay fluffy above 700-metres, but there are high winds forecast for the alpine. With 10 to 15 centimetres of snow expected for mountains in the Sea to Sky and South Coast region, skiers and snowboarders should be pleased, whether in-bounds or in the backcountry.
