Regions
Northwest Inland.
Avalanche danger will increase as each pulse of new snow and wind arrives in the region. If you get out into the mountains, please submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network.
Confidence
Poor - Due to the number and quality of field observations
Weather Forecast
A series of storms are forecast to move into the region from the southwest over the next few days. The bulk of the precipitation is not expected to move very far inland. Expect strong southerly winds and 5-10 cm of snow at treeline by Wednesday morning. Flurries and periods of light snow are forecast for the day on Wednesday during the lull between Pacific storms. Another system should make it into the region overnight Wednesday and continue during the day Thursday resulting in another 5-15 cm at treeline. Friday should bring another gap between systems.
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanches have been reported. Thin new storm slabs may develop with forecast snow and wind.
Snowpack Summary
So far, we only have limited information from the field. Initial reports suggest that there is little snow below treeline. Recent outflow winds created variable wind slabs and crusts at higher elevations. Incoming snow may bond poorly to this concoction of surfaces. In some places, a crust, surface hoar or facets can be found in the upper snowpack. A persistent weak layer exists at the base of the snowpack in the north of the region, however I am not sure how widespread this is. Information is limited - share yours through the Mountain Information Network.
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.