Northwest Coastal

Wind slabs at upper elevations are the main concern.

On Wednesday and Thursday a few human-triggered storm and wind slab avalanche size 1 to 1.5 were reported in the northern most part of the region. They occurred at treeline and in the alpine. Some of these were triggered remotely (from a distance).

Approximately 40 cm of snow from earlier in the week has buried a widespread crust in all but sheltered, north-facing slopes where isolated pockets of surface hoar and/or faceted grains may exist below the new snow.

Previously problematic layers deeper in the snowpack appear to have bonded and strengthened, however, there is a low likelihood that they could remain a risk in steep, north-facing, high alpine terrain.

Friday Night

Mainly cloudy. 10 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 700 m.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy with 2 to 5 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1100 m.

Monday

Mostly cloudy with 10 to 15 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
• Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet