Avalanche Forecast
Regions: South Coast.
Confidence
Fair - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Thursday
Weather Forecast
An intense low pressure system continues to churn in the Gulf of Alaska.Thursday: The first in a series of systems will hit the region . Expect up to 5 to 10cm of snow at higher elevations. Moderate southwesterly winds at ridgetop will persist through the day. Freezing levels will rise to 1000m.Friday: A brief lull with light precipitation and moderate southwest winds at ridgetop. Freezing levels dropping to 700m.Saturday: Likely moderate snow with strong winds from the southwest as the next system hits the region.
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanche have been reported
Snowpack Summary
Snowpack depths vary greatly across the region with 160cm at treeline in the Cascades but 50 cm along the Duffy. Terrain below treeline is still mostly below threshold for avalanche activity.Surface hoar has been growing over the last week in protected locations near tree line while the cold temperatures have driven faceting throughout the snowpack.A few crusts can be found near the ground, especially at higher higher elevations. Cold temperatures may have weakened the snow around these crusts - especially in alpine areas with a thinner snowpack such as moraines.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 3
Deep Persistent Slabs
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely
Expected Size: 2 - 5