Avalog
Register
Get forecast notifications
Create an account to receive email notifications when forecasts are published.
Register
Login
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 27th, 2024–Feb 28th, 2024
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: East Island, North Island, South Island, Vancouver Island, West Island.

Expect danger to rise rapidly throughout the day.

Avoid avalanche terrain as natural avalanche activity is expected.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Natural avalanches occured in northern areas following the recent 50 cm snowfall and strong winds.

Widespread natural avalanche activity is expected to begin again on Wednesday as storm and wind build fresh and reactive slabs.

Snowpack Summary

By Wednesday afternoon, this storm is expected to deliver 90 cm in the west, with totals closer to 40 cm elsewhere. Storm snow will overlie a widespread crust in most areas, except northern areas where storm snow will fall on heavily wind-affected snow.

The mid and lower snowpack is generally well consolidated, with several crust layers. Most areas below treeline are still below threshold for avalanches.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Mostly cloudy with up to 20 cm of snow. 40-60 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Freezing levels rise overnight to 1000 m.

Wednesday

Heavy snowfall, 30 to 70 cm of new snow. Highest accumulations are expected in the southwest. 80-100 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.

Thursday

A mix of sun and cloud. 5-15 cm of snow. 20-40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 800 m.

Friday

A mix of sun and cloud. 5-20 cm of snow. 20-40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 800 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.
  • Be careful to keep storm day fever from luring you out into bigger terrain features.
  • Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm slabs will be most reactive in wind affected features, especially where new snow falls over a crust as it's expected to bond poorly.

Low elevations may see rain or heavy, wet snow.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5

Persistent Slabs

A weak layer of facets above a thick crust persists in the snowpack in isolated areas. Storm slab avalanches may step down to this layer resulting in very large, destructive avalanches.

Aspects: North, North East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3