Avalanche Forecast
Regions: South Coast.
Watch for signs of instability in wind loaded terrain features. If triggered, wind slabs can run far and fast on a near surface crust.
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.
Weather Forecast
Monday night: Light snow, around 5 cm. Freezing level dropping to 700 m. Moderate to strong southwest wind.
Tuesday: Mostly cloudy. Freezing level 700 m. Light southwest wind at north shore ridgetop, moderate above.
Wednesday: Mix of sun and cloud. Freezing level rising to 1500 m. Moderate southerly wind.
Thursday: Mostly cloudy. Freezing level rising to 1800 m. Strong southerly wind.
Avalanche Summary
No recent reports since Thursday when skier triggered storm slab avalanches size 1-2 were reported on all aspects.
Snowpack Summary
Around 5 cm of new snow brings recent snow totals to 30-40 cm on top of a hard rain crust that exists all the way to the tops of the North Shore mountains. Reports indicate that the snow is adhering well to the crust. Reactivity at this interface is most likely where snow is wind affected. Watch for blowing snow and wind slab formation at all elevations Monday, as strong winds are forecast for all elevations.
The snowpack below the rain crust is well settled and strong in most areas.
Watch North Shore Rescue's latest snowpack update here.
Terrain and Travel
- Be careful as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
- Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.
- Keep in mind the crust offers an excellent bed surface for avalanches.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Strong southwest winds are forecast at all elevations Monday. The recent snow sits above a hard crust and could remain triggerable where wind deposits exist.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2