Avalanche Forecast
Regions: East Island, North Island, South Island, Vancouver Island, West Island.
Wind slabs will be most reactive on north and east facing slopes near ridgetops.For the best and safest riding, seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported.
If you are out in the backcountry please consider filling out a Mountain Information Network report.
Snowpack Summary
Forecast strong southwesterly winds are expected to blow loose snow into wind slabs on leeward north and east facing slopes near ridgetops.
5 to 20 cm of new snow at upper elevations is covering a variety of surfaces including surface hoar on sheltered features and a sun crust on steep south facing terrain.
We are not tracking any concerning weak layers in the mid or lower snowpack at this time.
Snow depths vary across the region. Currently near Mt.Washington, 135 cm is reported at 1100 m, and 250 cm at 1500 m.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Cloudy with up to 10 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.
Saturday
Cloudy with 2 to 8 cm of new snow. 55 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C Freezing level rising to 1400 m.
Sunday
A mix of sun and cloud. 30 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level rising to 2100 m.
Monday
Mostly sunny. 15 km/h variable ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 6 °C. Freezing level rising to 3000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Be cautious of buried obstacles, especially below treeline.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Small wind slabs may form on north and east slopes near ridgetops with the forecast snowfall and strong southwesterly winds.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5