Northwest Coastal

This forecast has been prepared with very few field observations. If you have observations to share here, we`d love to hear from you.

Fair - Due to the number and quality of field observations

Cool unsettled spring time weather will bring small amounts of precipitation between Pacific weather systems for the next few daysMONDAY:  5 to 10 cm of snow. Precipitation will be heavier towards the coast, but the inland portion of the coast will also see snow at higher elevations. Winds from the south, moderate to strong with the freezing level rising over 1000m.TUESDAY: A brief break in the weather, cloudy with sunny periods, some flurries with freezing levels around 500m. Winds moderate to strong from the south.WEDNESDAY:  A Pacific frontal system arrives on the coast bringing  up to 20cm of snow to the higher elevations. Freezing level around 800m with moderate to strong winds from the south

No reports of natural or skier / rider triggered avalanche in the past few days, probably because of the storm cycle and lack of visibility for field observations.

New snow is being redistributed by strong south west winds into wind slabs on lee slopes. Reports of activity on the March 25th surface hoar / crust layer have diminished, but is still worth remembering. This interface was more reactive recently in the northern part of the region, but had been reported throughout the northwest coastal area and may reappear as a problem given the right conditions.  For the most part, the chief concern  right now is wind slabs over a variety of recent surfaces, crusts, facets and surface hoar that formed in in sheltered places during the last spell of clear cold weather.  Large ripe cornices are also of concern with additional loading, especially when the sun and warm temperatures come back.