Regions
Northwest Coastal.
Confidence
Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain
Weather Forecast
Saturday: Light snow. Light winds. Freezing level around 600 m. Sunday: No snow expected. Light winds. Freezing level around 600 m.Monday: Light snow. Light winds. Freezing level at sea level.
Avalanche Summary
A couple of cycles of natural avalanche activity, with numerous avalanches in the size 1-3 range, occurred in response to snow and wind-loading this week. Skiers also triggered size 1-1.5 storm slabs and wind slabs at and below treeline.
Snowpack Summary
There’s now about 40-70 cm snow above a layer of surface hoar, facets and/or a crust. This recent snow has been redistributed by strong to extreme winds from variable directions into widespread wind slabs at treeline and above. A deeper interface, buried on Feb 20, still may have the potential for step-down triggering. It’s been observed in the Shames backcountry. Large cornices also loom as a threat, as they could act as triggers for avalanches on slopes below. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and strong. The exception seems to be northern regions, where basal facets are still reported.
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.