Northwest Coastal

Temperatures rose during the storm, so expect variable conditions.

Terrain that was sheltered from the wind and wasn't rained on should hold good riding and lower avalanche danger.

No avalanches have been reported in the region over the past few days, but observations are limited.

Looking forward to Tuesday, we expect that recent snow, wind, and rain will make human triggered avalanches likely in some terrain.

If you are getting out in the backcountry, consider making a post on the MIN (Mountain Information Network). You can share riding conditions, avalanche or snowpack observations, or even just a photo or two.

Up to 25 cm of recent snow and moderate to strong southwest and west wind may have formed reactive wind slabs on leeward slopes in the alpine. Depending on the exact freezing level, surface snow may be moist or soaked with rain at treeline and below.

Wind has varied in direction over the past week. Expect most exposed slopes to be wind-affected.

A layer of weak, feathery crystals buried in mid November is 30 to 50 cm deep in sheltered treeline terrain.

Below 1400 m, a 2 to 10 cm rain crust sits 40 to 60 cm down.

Above treeline, the snowpack is roughly 200 cm, tapering steadily with elevation to around 30 cm at valley bottom, where many early-season hazards remain just below the surface.

Monday Night
Mostly cloudy. 2 to 4 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Average treeline temperature -1 °C.

Tuesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 15-30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Average treeline temperature -1 °C.

Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 4 to 10 cm of snow at treeline. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.

Thursday
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 10 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.
• Shooting cracks, whumpfs, and recent avalanches are strong indicators of an unstable snowpack.
• A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
• Be cautious of buried obstacles, especially below treeline.