Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Northwest Coastal.
There is uncertainty in the forecast due to a lack of data available at this time.
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.
Weather Forecast
MONDAY NIGHT: Clear in the north of the region and partly cloudy with isolated flurries in the south of the region, accumulation 1 to 3 cm, light northeast wind, alpine temperature -5 C.
TUESDAY: Mostly clear skies, moderate north wind, alpine temperature -7 C, freezing level 600 m.
WEDNESDAY: Clear skies, light to moderate northwest wind, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level 1000 m.
THURSDAY: Cloudy with snowfall accumulation 5 to 10 cm, moderate to strong west wind, alpine temperature -5 C, freezing level 800 m.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were observed on Monday from limited reports. Wind slab activity may increase with the new snow and strong wind.
Snowpack Summary
Around 10 to 15 cm of snow fell Sunday night in the south of the region with strong northwest switching to southeast wind, likely forming wind slabs in exposed terrain features. In the northern half of the region, the wind was also howling so new slabs may be found. These slabs likely sit on a melt-freeze crust on sun-exposed slopes and otherwise previously wind-affected snow, so the new slabs may take some time to bond to the snowpack.
A layer of surface hoar crystals is buried around 30 to 60 cm in sheltered areas at and below treeline.
An early-season layer of faceted grains and a melt-freeze crust may linger at the base of the snowpack. A large load, such as a cornice fall, has the potential of triggering it.
Terrain and Travel
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Approach steep open slopes at and below treeline cautiously, buried surface hoar may exist.
- Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazard.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
New snow in the south of the region and strong wind throughout the region have likely formed new wind slabs in exposed terrain. These slabs may take some time to bond to previous surfaces. Use caution as you approach lee terrain features, particularly near ridges.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
A weak layer of surface hoar crystals is buried around 30 to 60 cm in sheltered, shady terrain around treeline. It was reactive to both human and natural triggers last week. Recent warm conditions have likely promoted bonding of this layer but there is uncertainty as to whether it is still a problem.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5