Avalanche danger will increase throughout the day.If snowfall amounts or wind strength are greater than forecast then avalanche danger may be higher than posted.
Summary
Confidence
Fair - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Thursday
Weather Forecast
An intense low pressure system continues to churn in the Gulf of Alaska. The latest weather models are showing that the coast is going to receive significantly more precipitation than previously forecast.Thursday: The first in a series of systems will hit the region . Expect up to 30cm of snow at higher elevations. Moderate southwesterly winds at ridgetop will build to strong later in the day. Freezing levels with rise to 1000m.Friday: A brief clearing with light precipitation, strong southwest winds at ridgetop. Freezing levels dropping to 700m.Saturday: Likely moderate to heavy snow as the next system hits the region, with moderate winds from the west.
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanche have been reported.
Snowpack Summary
Snowpack depths vary greatly across the region with an average of 100cm at treeline. Terrain below treeline is still mostly below threshold for avalanche activity.Cold temperatures have driven faceting throughout the pack, especially in shallow areas. Arctic outflow winds have scoured N and NE slopes leaving a thin layer of facets sitting on a crust. In protected locations surface hoar has been growing over the last couple of days at all elevations. These two week surface layers will cause a problem given a significant load of storm snow Further down a few crusts can be found near the ground, especially at higher higher elevations.
esharp,
Avalanche Canada
