Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Below Threshold.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Below Threshold.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Below Threshold.
Regions
Northwest Coastal.
We are interested in what you are seeing out there. Email us at [email protected].
Confidence
Fair - Due to the number of field observations
Weather Forecast
Precipitation and winds are expected to ease off on Tuesday as freezing levels drop. Continued clearing and cooling is expected for Wednesday and Thursday with light northwesterly winds.
Avalanche Summary
Explosives triggered size 2 slabs in the northern part of the region on steep north-facing slopes at around 1500 m on Friday. We have had no reports from popular recreational spots in the region. Let us know what you are seeing at [email protected].
Snowpack Summary
As we begin our forecasting season, we are working with limited information from the field. Early reports suggest there's enough snow for avalanches at alpine and some treeline elevations. Recent snow may have been redistributed into slabs on lee slopes at alpine elevations. This snow may overlie a weak old snow surface (surface hoar, facets and/or a crust) which developed during November's dry spell. Check the bond of the snowpack at this level and take a cautious approach as new snow builds deeper above this layer.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.