Northwest Coastal

Avalanche hazard will likely be on the rise as forecast storm snow begins to stack up.

Poor - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Wednesday Night: 10 to 25mm of precipitation expected, resulting in 10 to 30cm of snow above 1500m.Thursday: Freezing level holding at 1500m. 5 to 10cm expected above 1500m. Moderate SW winds at treeline, Strong SW winds at ridgetop.Thursday Night: 5 to 15mm of precipitation expected. 5 to 20cm of snow possible above 1500m.Friday: Freezing level around 1000m. 1 to 5cm of snow above 1000m. Light variable winds at treeline, light SW winds at ridgetop.Saturday: Freezing level holding around 1000m. 2 to 10cm of snow above 1000m. Strong southerly winds at all elevations.

Observed avalanche activity from Tuesday was limited to one small skier triggered storm slab on a NE facing feature around 2000m in the southern portion of the region.

In high elevation lee terrain you may find smaller soft wind slabs which formed in response to recent southwest winds and light snowfall. These wind slabs overlie a variety of surfaces which include older wind slabs or melt-freeze crusts. On sun-exposed slopes and at lower elevations, the snowpack is likely in a spring melt-freeze cycle.Up to a meter below the surface you may find a hard crust which co-exists with facets. This condition seems more specific to the north of the region. Although reports suggest this layer has gained significant strength, I'd be wary of the possibility of isolated large avalanches on steep, unsupported slopes, especially if temperatures increase, or if solar radiation is strong. The mid-pack is generally well-settled and strong. At the base of the snowpack, weak facets may be found, particularly on shallow alpine slopes in the north of the region. Cornices are large and potentially fragile.