Northwest Coastal

Carefully assess how the recent snow is bonding to any underlying crusts. Keep in mind it is still early in the season and numerous hazards exist just below the snow surface.

Reports of avalanche activity have tapered since the storm but 1 large (size 2.5) natural avalanche in the alpine on a steep northwest-facing slope was reported on Sunday.

Observations are very limited at this time of year. If you do head out, do so with a cautious and investigative mindset, and consider submitting a MIN report.

As much as 40 cm of recent snow now sits on top of a crust, that varies in thickness and strength. The middle of the snowpack is generally consolidated with no current layers of note.

Observations are very limited, but a problematic combination of crusts and facets at the base of the snowpack has been reported in upper alpine terrain.

Snowpack depths vary from 50 to 150 cm at the treeline. The deepest snowpacks are found in the more western/coastal regions.

Tuesday night

Mostly clear skies with no precipitation, northeast alpine wind 10 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -8 °C.

Wednesday

Mix of sun and clouds with no precipitation, south alpine wind 30 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -8 °C.

Thursday

Cloudy with light 2 to 8 cm of snow, south alpine wind 30 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature -8 °C.

Friday

Cloudy with 1 to 4 cm of snow, south alpine wind 30 to 50 km/h, treeline temperature -10 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.
• Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.