Northwest Coastal

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

Saturday: Light snow. Light winds. Freezing level around 600 m. Sunday: No snow expected. Light winds. Freezing level around 600 m.Monday: Light snow. Light winds. Freezing level at sea level.

A couple of cycles of natural avalanche activity, with numerous avalanches in the size 1-3 range, occurred in response to snow and wind-loading this week. Skiers also triggered size 1-1.5 storm slabs and wind slabs at and below treeline.

There’s now about 40-70 cm snow above a layer of surface hoar, facets and/or a crust. This recent snow has been redistributed by strong to extreme winds from variable directions into widespread wind slabs at treeline and above. A deeper interface, buried on Feb 20, still may have the potential for step-down triggering. It’s been observed in the Shames backcountry. Large cornices also loom as a threat, as they could act as triggers for avalanches on slopes below. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and strong. The exception seems to be northern regions, where basal facets are still reported.