Northwest Coastal

The new storm has started and danger ratings are increasing.

Overnight and Wednesday: A strong frontal system is expected to arrive overnight bringing moderate to heavy precipitation 30-40 cm. The freezing level jumps up to around 1000 m and winds are strong from the Southwest. Thursday:Continued moderate precipitation combined with moderate to strong Southwest winds. The freezing level remains close to 1000 m.Friday:There should be a bit of a lull between storms. Very little precipitation and moderate Westerly winds

Avalanche activity is expected to increase through the week as snow accumulates and temperatures increase.

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Wednesday

Snowpack depths are highly variable across the region, with elevation, and in wind-exposed areas. Recent cold and clear weather has resulted in surface hoar formation and near-surface faceting, which is now getting buried by light dry snow. Low-elevation and wind-affected areas have a shallow faceted snowpack. While in higher elevation sheltered areas the previous storm snow is settling and gaining strength; however, weaknesses at the old snow interface down approximately 40cm may still exist. The lower snowpack is a series of crusts, some of which are laminated with facets, particularly in shallower areas.