Northwest Inland

New storm snow and forecast strong winds are increasing the avalanche danger.

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Overnight and Friday: Light to moderate snow this evening, ending by morning. Strong Westerly winds and freezing levels down to valley bottoms. Some flurries during the afternoon Friday.Saturday:Pacific moisture is expected to push inland bringing 10-15 cms during the day. Winds building to very strong Southwest. Freezing level rising to 1500 metres.Sunday:Snow ending by early morning. The winds should slow a bit, but remain strong Southwesterly. Freezing level dropping throughout the day.

New storm snow is expected to increase the avalanche danger. The weak shallow snowpack may not support the added load of new storm snow. Strong winds, new snow, and rising temperatures are expected to increase the sensitivity to triggering by skiers and sledders.

Snowpack depths are likely highly variable across the region, with elevation, and in wind-exposed areas. Recent cold and clear weather has resulted in surface hoar formation and/or near surface facetting, which is now getting buried by light dry snow. Low-elevation and wind-affected areas likely have a shallow faceted snowpack. While in higher elevation sheltered areas the recent storm snow is likely settling and gaining strength; however, weaknesses at the old snow interface down approximately 40cm may still exist. Average snowpack depths near treeline are highly variable, but around a metre in sheltered areas.