Northwest Inland

We're heading into a period of change - from cold dry weather back to a moist southwest flow. Expect avalanche danger to increase heading into the weekend. 

Poor - Due to the number of field observations

Tuesday: Cloudy with light snow developing – around 5 cm. The freezing level is at valley bottom and winds are moderate from the West. Wednesday: A strong frontal system arrives in the morning with moderate to locally heavy precipitation – 15-25 cm. The freezing level is at the surface and winds are strong from the Southwest. Thursday: Precipitation should ease off in the wake of the system. The freezing level remains close to valley bottom and winds should ease to light from the SW.

No recent avalanches have been reported; however, reports are limited. Avalanche activity is expected to increase through the week as snow accumulates and temperatures increase.

Snowpack depths are likely highly variable across the region, with elevation, and in wind-exposed areas. Recent cold and clear weather has resulted in surface hoar formation and/or near surface facetting, which is now getting buried by light dry snow. Low-elevation and wind-affected areas likely have a shallow faceted snowpack. While in higher elevation sheltered areas the recent storm snow is likely settling and gaining strength; however, weaknesses at the old snow interface down approximately 40cm may still exist. Average snowpack depths near treeline are highly variable, but around a metre in sheltered areas.