Northwest Coastal

We're working with pretty limited observations, but watch for tired old wind slabs up high. The breakable crust at lower elevation means that stumps, open creeks and rocks are a real concern below treeline.

Low - Due to the number of field observations

The high amplitude ridge sitting off the BC Coast is expected to deflect any potential storm systems away from the Northwest this week. The forecast period is marked by cooler temps, clear skies and no significant precipitation, but that could change this weekend. TUESDAY NIGHT: Freezing level at valley bottom, moderate northwest wind at ridgetop, light northerly wind below treeline, no significant precipitation expected.WEDNESDAY: Scattered cloud cover, freezing level at valley bottom with potential for a temperature inversion which may bring temperatures to near zero between 1200 and 2000 m, light variable wind, no significant precipitation expected.THURSDAY: Scattered cloud cover, freezing level at valley bottom, light south/southwest wind, no significant precipitation expected.FRIDAY: Broken cloud cover, freezing level at valley bottom, strong southerly wind, no significant precipitation expected.

Glide avalanches to size 2 were reported from the Ningunsaw zone on Monday. No other avalanche activity has been reported recently. Please post your observations to the Mountain Information Network.

Surface hoar is beginning to form on the surface as indicated in this MIN report from the adjacent Northwest Inland region. Surface hoar formation has also been reported from the Ningunsaw zone. 10-15 cm of recent storm snow is sitting on a thick, hard crust. In some locations there is an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack. Check out this MIN report from the Anderson Cabin near Terrace.There is an average of 70-120 cm of snow in the alpine. This decreases dramatically with elevation where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps and open creeks.We currently have very limited snowpack observations, so it is critical to supplement this information with your own observations.