Northwest Coastal

Keep your head up and be aware of large slopes above you

Avalanche activity has tapered off but large avalanches initiating in the alpine are still possible.

Rider and naturally triggered wind slab avalanches continue to be reported in this region. These avalanches have been up to size 2.5 and occurred on a variety of aspects in the treeline and alpine.

No deep persistent slab avalanches have been reported in the past few days but several were reported last week. These avalanches were generally in the alpine and up to size 3.

Moderate to strong northeast outflow wind has scour windward terrain and loaded south and west facing slopes at all elevations. In sheltered terrain 30 to 60 cm of snow overlies a crust and layer of surface hoar from late January.

Another layer of surface hoar was buried near the middle of January and can be found 50 to 100 cm deep.

A weak layer of facets and a crust from early December is buried 150 to 300 cm. This layer remains a concern in this region.

Wednesday Night

Mostly clear skies. 20 to 30 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -17 °C, potential for temperature inversion with warmer temperatures in the alpine.

Thursday

Mostly sunny. 20 to 40 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.

Friday

Sunny. 10 to 20 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -18 °C.

Saturday

Sunny. 20 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
• Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazard.
• Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.