Northwest Coastal

Human triggering remains likely, as reactive storm slabs overlie weak layers at all elevations

Stick to small, low-angle features and avoid overhead exposure while storm snow settles

Moderate

• Uncertainty is due to how quickly the snowpack will recover and gain strength.

We expect a natural avalanche cycle occurred on Monday night, with heavy snow and wind. Human triggering remains likely as natural activity tapers off.

By 4pm Wednesday, storm totals are expected to reach 80 cm in coastal terrain, and taper rapidly inland to 40 cm near Terrace. Storm snow continues to accumulate over weak surface hoar and facets, as well as hard wind affected surfaces. At lower elevations, new snow builds over a crust.

The mid and lower snowpack is well settled with no current layers of concern. Treeline snow depths throughout the region range from 250 cm to 350 cm.

Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy. 3 to 10 cm of snow. 30-50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 5-15 cm of snow. 30-50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Thursday
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 40-60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Friday
Mostly cloudy. 15 to 35 cm of snow. 50-80 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Be aware of the potential for larger than expected storm slabs due to buried surface hoar.
• Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
• Be especially cautious as you transition into wind-affected terrain.