Hard to imagine an avalanche with the current state of the coastal ranges, but 70+ cm is enough to bring a LOT of avalanche terrain online. Stick to simple or non-avalanche terrain and enjoy!
Heavy snowfall will rapidly form a reactive storm slab problem for Thursday. The more snow accumulates and the more it is affected by wind, the greater the danger.
No recent avalanches have been reported and, as of Wednesday, they would be quite unlikely. Observations are limited in this area, but so is the snowpack, for now..
Big changes are coming in the next storm with up to 70 + cm forecast, so expect a spike in avalanche activity, even in previously below-threshold terrain.
If you head out into the backcountry, do so cautiously and consider sharing your observations on the MIN.
Heavy forecast snowfall promises positive snowpack growth and lively avalanche conditions through the end of the week.
Otherwise, as of Wednesday, a dusting of dry new snow may be found at treeline, more so in the alpine, the product of cooling temperatures at the end of another bout of heavy rain. Below this, the saturated, cooling snowpack is locking in place.
Before the atmospheric river, higher treeline areas held an estimated 20 to 50 cm of snow. It's likely similar now after melt from rainfall and subsequent light snowfall. Coverage diminishes rapidly below 1500 m.
Wednesday Night
Cloudy with increasing snowfall bringing 15 to 25 cm of new snow. 40 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 900 to 1100 m.
Thursday
Cloudy with continuing snowfall bringing 40 to 50 cm of new snow. 50 to 60 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1100 m.
Friday
Mostly cloudy with scattered flurries bringing 10 cm of new snow, including overnight amounts. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 800 m.
Saturday
Cloudy with increasing flurries bringing 15 to 25 cm of new snow, including overnight amounts. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
