Northwest Inland

A new storm is starting and the avalanche danger is increasing.

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

Overnight and Wednesday: A strong frontal system arrives overnight bringing moderate to locally heavy precipitation 15-25 cm. The freezing level should be at the surface and winds are expected to be strong from the Southwest. Thursday: Continued moderate precipitation combined with moderate to strong Southwest winds. The freezing level remains close to valley bottoms.Friday: There should be a bit of a lull between storms. Very little precipitation and moderate Westerly winds

Avalanche activity is expected to increase through the week as snow accumulates and temperatures increase.

Snowpack depths are likely highly variable across the region, with elevation, and in wind-exposed areas. Recent cold and clear weather has resulted in surface hoar formation and/or near surface facetting, which is now getting buried by light dry snow. Low-elevation and wind-affected areas likely have a shallow faceted snowpack. While in higher elevation sheltered areas the recent storm snow is likely settling and gaining strength; however, weaknesses at the old snow interface down approximately 40cm may still exist. Average snowpack depths near treeline are highly variable, but around a metre in sheltered areas.