Northwest Coastal

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain on Saturday

Saturday: Light to moderate snowfall occurring late in the day / Moderate southwest winds / Freezing level at 800mSunday: Light snowfall / Moderate southwest winds / Freezing level at 500mMonday: Trace amounts of new snow / Light west winds / Freezing level at 400m

Cornice falls to size 3 have been reported from various parts of the region, which likely occurred in response to strong daily temperature fluctuations. In the north of the region cornice fall triggered slabs, one of  which failed at ground level.

Strong winds winds from earlier in the week have created hard wind slabs in exposed lee terrain; however, over the past few days these have likely gained considerable strength. In sheltered areas the snow surface consists of facets or surface hoar. A sun crust or moist snow exists on south facing slopes, depending on the time of day. Watch out for cornices, as they are large and fragile. The mid snowpack layers are generally well settled and strong. Facets at the base of the snowpack may resurface as a concern now that spring warming is on the doorstep and full-depth releases are becoming more likely (primarily in the northern part of the region).