Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Northwest Coastal.
Confidence
Fair - Wind effect is extremely variable
Weather Forecast
Apart from some light snow or flurries on Sunday, the next few days look dry and cool. Winds are moderate to strong from the north quarter (although the direction will vary locally).
Avalanche Summary
On Thursday and Friday, several size 1 skier initiated avalanches were reported. It is expected that these were thin wind slabs. Last week several full-depth avalanches up to size 3 were observed on all but north aspects. If the region gets substantial warming and sun again, isolated events like these could once again become active. Loose sluffs from steep sun exposed slopes are also possible.
Snowpack Summary
Cornices may be sensitive to warm temperatures. Wind slabs may be lurking on slopes lee to outflow winds. These can be triggered by a person, but have been reported to be mainly small. On other slopes, variable surfaces include a sun crust or old rain crust, surface hoar, and/or surface facets. A layer of surface hoar buried in the upper snowpack is worth investigating before committing to any big alpine terrain. At the base of the snowpack, weak facets may be persisting.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Wet
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 3
Deep Persistent Slabs
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely
Expected Size: 3 - 6