Northwest Coastal

Conditions should improve with clear cool weather in the forecast, but remain cautious on slopes that are wind loaded or getting hit by the sun.

THURSDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy, light wind, alpine temperatures drop to -10 C.

FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, moderate wind from the northeast, alpine high temperatures around -5 C.

SATURDAY: Sunny, light wind from the north, alpine high temperatures around -5 C.

SUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, moderate wind from the northwest, alpine high temperatures around -5 C.

Stormy weather on Tuesday and Wednesday resulted in a natural cycle of size 2 storm slab avalanches, especially on north and east facing slopes that were wind loaded. Some smaller (size 1) slabs were also triggered by riders in similar terrain. 

Glide cracks have reportedly been opening and releasing glide slab avalanches. Avoid slopes with glide cracks, as they are unpredictable.

Open terrain has been heavily affected by strong wind from the west, but shifting winds could form slabs on a range of aspects. 30 cm of recent snow is rapidly settling and gaining strength. A thin layer of facets that formed during the January cold snap is now 100-150 cm below the surface and an early season crust exists at the base of the snowpack. These layers produced a few large naturally triggered avalanches last week, but are unreactive under the current conditions.

• Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
• Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.