Avalanche Forecast
Regions: East Island, North Island, South Island, Vancouver Island, West Island.
Watch for recent snow to become increasingly reactive with solar input on Monday.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
A natural avalanche cycle was observed up to size 2 through the recent stormy period. On Saturday, skier controlled storm slabs up to size 1.5 were reported below treeline.
Snowpack Summary
Many areas have received 20-50 cm of localized convective snowfall over the weekend, bringing weekly storm totals up to 60 to 100+ cm. The recent snow sits over a crust on all but high north aspects. At upper elevations recent snow has been redistributed by wind.
Below the crust, the snowpack is generally well consolidated. A facet/crust layer in the mid snowpack was put to the test by the significant new snow load and it does not appear to present an avalanche problem at this time.
Below treeline areas have now received enough snow to produce avalanches. Watch for "early season" type hazards such as shallowly buried stumps, rocks and creeks.
Weather Summary
Sunday night
Cloudy with convective flurries brining 5 to 10 cm then clearing. 20 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Monday
Sunny. 10 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 800 m.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud. 30 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 500 m.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud. 30 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 700 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for changing conditions today, storm slabs may become increasingly reactive.
- Stick to simple terrain or small features with limited consequence.
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Avoid being on or under sun exposed slopes.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Rapid settlement due to solar input may cause storm slabs to become increasingly reactive on Monday. Storm slabs exist on all aspects but may be most likely triggered in wind-loaded features.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Wet
Expect loose snow point releases on steep or rocky solar aspects, especially in the afternoon.
Aspects: South East, South, South West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5