Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to rapidly fluctuating freezing levels.

THURSDAY NIGHT: 10-20 cm of snow before the snow levels rise to 1500 m, then heavy rain continues overnight into Friday morning (60 mm), moderate to strong wind from the south, treeline temperatures around +2 C.

FRIDAY: Heavy rain in the morning, light rain midday, then back to heavy rain in the late afternoon (bringing 24 hour totals to 60-100 mm), heavy snowfall possible above 1500 m, strong wind from the south, treeline temperatures around +3 C.

SATURDAY: Storm continues with freezing level dropping to 700 m by Saturday morning, as rain transitions back to snow expect of 20-40 cm of new snow by Saturday afternoon, moderate wind from the southwest, treeline temperatures around -2 C.

SUNDAY: Another storm pulse brings 20-30 cm of snow, moderate wind from the south, freezing level around 700 m with treeline temperatures around -2 C.

Heavy rain will create the potential for wet loose avalanches at most elevations, while thick storm slabs will likely form in the highest peaks of the region. A few small wet loose avalanches were reported in steep terrain on Wednesday.

The current storm is expected to deliver 10-20 cm of snow to the North Shore mountains on Thursday night before freezing levels rise and heavy rain soaks the snowpack. Heavy accumulations of wet snow are possible in terrain above 1500 m, resulting in the formation of touchy storm slabs. Snowpack depths near treeline currently range from 140-180 cm, and the snowpack diminishes rapidly with elevation.

• Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
• Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from rain.
• Dial back your terrain choices if you are seeing more than 30 cm of new snow.