Northwest Inland

New storm snow combined with strong winds and warm temperatures is driving the HIGH avalanche danger.

Avoid avalanche terrain.

No recent avalanches have been reported. However, we suspect with the new snow and strong wind, reactive storm slabs are likely.

20 to 30 cm of new storm snow and strong southwest winds have buried old wind-affected snow in the alpine and open treeline areas, creating fresh storm and wind slabs.

A layer of weak, feathery (surface hoar) crystals is buried 30 to 60 cm and is most problematic where the surface snow is firm.

A crust formed in November and is buried at about 60 to 90 cm with small facets above it.

At treeline, the snow is about 100 cm deep, snowpack depth gradually thins as elevation decreases to 30 cm at valley bottom.

Monday Night
Mostly cloudy. 2 to 10 cm of snow. 50 to 80 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.

Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 15 cm of snow. 30 gusting to 80 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 10 to 15 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.

Thursday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 3 cm of snow. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Travel in alpine terrain is not recommended.
• Be aware of the potential for larger than expected storm slabs due to buried surface hoar.