Very dangerous avalanche conditions will be developing on Wednesday. Make a plan to back off from avalanche terrain entirely, especially in the afternoon.
Storm slabs are expected to form rapidly during Wednesday's stormy weather. A warming trend in the afternoon will promote natural avalanche activity.
No new avalanches have been reported since a widespread natural cycle last week. A return to dangerous avalanche conditions is expected for Wednesday.
Please consider sharing your observations through the Mountain Information Network.
By end of day Wednesday, 30 - 80 cm of new snow should accumulate across the Island, with the greatest accumulations on the west coast. A transition to rain in the evening should diminish these totals at most elevations.
Alpine elevations received approximately 20 - 30 cm of snow and intermittent rain since Dec 22. Lesser amounts or a combination of rain-soaked snow or crust can be found at lower elevations. Where recent snow exists, it covers a mid and lower snowpack that are thoroughly settled and bonded as a result of recent heavy rain.
Snowpack depths at treeline vary from about 100 -150 cm on the north and south island, closer to 200 to 250 cm on the central island.
Tuesday night
Cloudy with flurries bringning 5 to 15 cm of new snow. 40 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level around 1100 m.
Wednesday
Cloudy with heavy snowfall bringing 30 - 80 cm of new snow, continuing and changing to rain in the evening, with the greatest values on the west island. 70 to 90 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Freezing level around 1100 m, rising in the evening.
Thursday
Cloudy with wet flurries bringing a trace to 10 cm of new snow after 20 - 70 cm overnight, with the greatest values on the west of the island. 30 to 50 km/h variable ridgetop wind. Freezing level 1300 m.
Friday
Cloudy with wet flurries bringing a trace to 10 cm of new snow with the greatest values on the west of the island. 30 to 40 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Freezing level 1300 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
