Northwest Coastal

Avoid avalanche terrain.

Heavy snowfall, strong wind, and a weak layer in the snowpack mean that avalanches are almost certain.

• Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy snowfall.
• Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain; avalanches may run surprisingly far.
• Be aware of the potential for larger than expected storm slabs due to buried surface hoar.

High

• We are confident the likelihood of avalanche will increase with the arrival of the forecast weather.
• Forecast precipitation (either snow or rain) amounts are uncertain.

Over the past few days numerous storm slab avalanches up to size 2.5 have been observed in the region. These avalanches were triggered naturally, remotely, and by riders on all aspects and elevations.

An additional 50 to 80 cm of storm snow is expected by Friday afternoon. This new snow will be accompanied by strong southerly wind, forming deeper deposits in north and east facing features.

A layer of large surface hoar is found down 30 to 60 cm in sheltered treeline features. Below treeline a crust is found at this interface.

The mid and lower snowpack is well settled with no current layers of concern. Treeline snow depths throughout the region range from 250 cm to 350 cm.

Thursday Night
Cloudy. 20 cm of snow. 40 to 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Friday
Cloudy. 30 to 60 cm of snow. 50 to 80 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.

Saturday
Cloudy. 25 to 40 cm of snow at treeline and above. 50 to 80 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C.

Sunday
Cloudy. 20 to 35 cm of snow at treeline and above. 40 to 60 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.