Regions
Northwest Inland.
A new storm is starting and the avalanche danger is increasing.
Confidence
Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain
Weather Forecast
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 Summary
Avalanche activity is expected to increase through the week as snow accumulates and temperatures increase.
Snowpack Summary
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.
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.