Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Northwest Coastal.
Confidence
Poor - Due to limited field observationsfor the entire period
Weather Forecast
Wednesday: 20-30cm of snow, primarily in the southwestern part of the region, with freezing levels as high as 400m and strong southwesterly winds.Thursday: Another 20-40cm of snow with intensity tapering off throughout the day. Freezing levels in valley bottoms and moderate to strong westerly winds.Friday: Light to moderate precipitation with moderate to strong westerly winds.
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanche have been reported, but I suspect natural avalanche activity occurred and will continue in response to heavy loading from snow and especially wind.
Snowpack Summary
Recent storm snow totals are in the 30-60cm range. Varying temperature, precipitation intensity, and wind throughout the recent storm, as well as surface hoar on the previous snow surface, has probably resulted in various weaknesses within and under the recent storm snow. Previous storm snow weaknesses could also be lurking in the upper snowpack. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong with an old rain crust near the ground.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely
Expected Size: 2 - 5
Storm Slabs
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 4