Avalanche Forecast

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

Synopsis: A center of low pressure crosses the region on Friday resulting in moderate precipitation – 15-25 cm. The freezing level should be around 500 m and winds are moderate to strong from the west. The weekend looks mainly cloudy, cooler, and a bit drier. Expect 5-10 cm each day – maybe a bit more later on Sunday. The freezing level is at valley bottom. Ridge winds are light to moderate from the southwest-southeast, but we could see strong outflows develop in the coastal inlets and valleys on Sunday.

There have been no reports of avalanches for the past few days. Watch for fresh, touchy wind and storm slabs to develop over the next couple days.

Strong outflow winds earlier this week left a variety of wind affected conditions in exposed terrain at all elevations. You will likely find wind pressed snow on north aspects, thicker wind slabs on south facing features and some degree of cross-loading on everything else. At and below treeline widespread surface hoar was reported, which may become an issue once its buried by new snow. Some areas experienced light rain or freezing rain early on New Years Day which could lessen or eliminate this problem. The mid December crust can be found down around 30 to 80 cm and is sandwiched with facets and surface hoar. The mid November crust down 70 to 175 is gaining strength but is still reactive in test profiles. It is likely trending towards dormancy.