Northwest Coastal

Good

Synopsis: A weak weather system could brush the coast on Friday resulting in more cloud and a chance of flurries. Areas further inland should still see some sunny breaks. Saturday and Sunday should see a mix of sun and cloud as a ridge of high pressure rebuilds off the coast. The freezing level should stay at valley bottom throughout the period. Winds should be generally light from the north, but areas closer to the coast could see stronger outflow winds develop.

Clear weather on Wednesday revealed a previous natural avalanche cycle (+48 hours) with slabs up to size 3. Most events appeared to release within the recent storm snow, with a few events suspected to have stepped down to the late December surface hoar or facet layers.

50-100cm of storm snow has fallen in the past 10 days or so. Northerly outflow winds may have produced wind slabs in exposed terrain primarily near the coast. Weaknesses within this recent storm snow have strengthened but a weak layer of facets or surface hoar exists at the base of the storm snow. Recent snowpack tests give generally moderate sudden planar, or "pops", results on this buried surface hoar layer and indicate potential for wide propagation. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer continues to concern local avalanche professionals. This weakness is unlikely to be triggered by a single person, but it remains possible with a very heavy load (e.g. cornice fall) or from a thin-spot trigger point.