Northwest Coastal

Danger ratings reflect conditions during the hottest part of the day. At times of cool temperatures, danger ratings will be lower.

Fair - Freezing levels are uncertain

Expect warm and mainly dry weather for the next three days. The freezing level is forecast to spike up to around 2500 m on Saturday afternoon and stay there through Monday. Winds are light to moderate from the north.

Several size 1-1.5 loose wet avalanches failed on steep sunny slopes yesterday. In the far north, two cornices collapsed and each triggered a size 3 slab on the slope below. Avalanche danger is expected to be lower in the cool parts of the day, and rise during warm, sunny periods. As temperatures rise, also keep in mind the possibility of glide slabs releasing on smooth rock surfaces - avoid traveling on or under slopes sporting glide cracks.

Cornices are weak and may fail with warm temperatures. Wind slabs may be found in the alpine. On steep, sunny slopes, it is likely that soft, moist snow will develop by day, and crusts may form at night. Below treeline, the snowpack is becoming more uniform as warmth penetrates through. A layer of surface hoar buried in the upper snowpack has been reported in some areas, and is worth investigating before committing to any big alpine terrain. In general, the mid and lower snowpack are strong and well-settled. At the base of the snowpack, weak facets may be found. Smooth rock slabs may act as a sliding surface for the entire snowpack to glide on in specific locations as temperatures rise.