Northwest Coastal

Recent storm snow (in excess of 1 m deep!) will take some time to settle and stabilize. Stick to conservative terrain in the meantime.

During the storm earlier this week, a widespread storm slab avalanche cycle was reported to size 2 in most areas (size 3 in Bear Pass). Natural activity has tapered since Wednesday.

Over 1 m of new snow fell earlier this week. Various temporary interfaces may exist within the storm snow due to wind and temperature changes through the storm.

In some areas, the recent snow may sit on a layer of small surface hoar crystals in sheltered terrain. A well bonded crust may be found in the mid snowpack below 1400 m.

In general, this season's upper elevation snowpack is shaping up as the ideal coastal snowpack; deep, strong and uncomplicated. Snowpack depths in excess of 300 cm can be found at treeline elevations.

Thursday night
Mostly cloudy. 20 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -23 °C.

Friday
Sunny. 20 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -23 °C.

Saturday
Cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 30 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -17 °C.

Sunday
Cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Don't let the desire for deep powder pull you into high consequence terrain.
• Keep your guard up as storm slabs may remain sensitive to human triggering.
• Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.