Northwest Coastal

Human triggered avalanches remain likely as strong wind is forming fresh slabs in exposed terrain.

Moderate -

SATURDAY NIGHT: Clear, moderate east wind, alpine temperatures drop to -15 C.SUNDAY: Sunny, strong northeast outflow wind, alpine high temperatures around -10 C.MONDAY: Sunny, strong to extreme northeast outflow wind, alpine high temperatures around -10 C.TUESDAY: Sunny, strong northeast wind, alpine high temperatures around -6 C.

Avalanche observations since Thursday's storm include several small (size 1-1.5) storm slab avalanches at lower elevations and some larger wind slabs (up to size 2) at higher elevations. However, alpine observations are still limited. A few small storm slabs were remotely triggered on a north aspects between at 1200-1400 m near Terrace and failed on the recently buried surface hoar layer.Looking forward, expect natural avalanche activity to taper off while the potential for human triggered avalanches remains elevated.

Outflow winds are reshaping the surface and forming fresh wind slabs in exposed terrain. 20-50 cm of snow fell over the region on Thursday and Friday, with the highest amounts favouring areas closer to the coast. The new snow has reportedly buried a new layer of surface hoar in sheltered areas as well as a new sun crust on solar aspects. In most areas, the new snow collectively overlies hard, previously wind affected surfaces or crust. In limited sheltered areas, it may overlie an older layer of faceted (sugary) snow.In the south of the region, the remainder of the snowpack is well-settled.Around Bear Pass and in the north of the region, you may find two weak layers of surface hoar buried between 50 and 100 cm. The base of the snowpack may also be composed of weak and sugary faceted snow.