Northwest Coastal

New snow and wind will make for dangerous avalanche conditions this weekend.

During the storm last week, a widespread storm slab avalanche cycle was reported to size 3. The subsequent break in weather was accompanied by a sharp drop off in avalanche activity.

Natural avalanche activity is expected to renew with more snow and wind this weekend.

20 to 30 cm of new snow this weekend accumulates over a settling upper snowpack. At upper elevations, wind has loaded new snow into deeper deposits in leeward terrain features.

In general, this season's upper elevation snowpack is shaping up as the ideal coastal snowpack; deep, strong and uncomplicated. Snowpack depths in excess of 300 cm can be found at treeline elevations.

Saturday night
Cloudy. 2 to 8 cm of snow. 40 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -13 °C.

Sunday
Cloudy. 10 to 20 cm of snow. 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Monday
Cloudy. 20 to 30 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Tuesday
Cloudy. 10 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.
• Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.
• Don't let the desire for deep powder pull you into high consequence terrain.
• Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.