Northwest Coastal

Stormy conditions are elevating the avalanche danger to HIGH. Strong winds and heavy precipitation are developing new storm slabs, and deeply buried weak layers are still a concern for very large avalanches.

Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

15-20 cm of snow above about 700 metres overnight with winds becoming moderate westerly. 5-10 cm of snow above 500 metres during the day on Saturday with moderate westerly winds. Heavy precipitation, strong southerly winds and freezing levels rising up to 1500 metres on Sunday. Continued heavy precipitation, strong winds, and high freezing levels on Monday.

No new avalanches reported. Suspect that a natural storm snow cycle occurred today in the alpine and at treeline with heavy loading from strong winds, new snow, and rain below 800 metres.

New storm slabs developed on Friday due to strong southwest winds and heavy precipitation. Before the new storm, in the north of the region there was 20-30 cm of recent snow that had been transported into deep windslabs above loose facetted snow in sheltered areas, and stiff old wind effected surfaces in exposed terrain. In the south of the region we had reports of 10-20 cm of recent snow that was sitting on a new surface hoar layer that was buried on February 3rd. Wind slabs developed in the lee of southeast winds on Wednesday, and more widespread storm slabs developed on Thursday. The January 9th surface hoar/facet layer is down 70-150 cm in most places, and remains a concern on all aspects and elevations, especially with heavy and/or thin-spot triggers. Around the same depth you may also find a surface hoar/facet interface from around New Years. There continues to be a lot of uncertainty regarding the reactivity and distribution of this destructive persistent avalanche problem. A conservative approach to mountain travel is still required.