Avalanche Forecast
Regions: East Island, North Island, South Island, Vancouver Island, West Island.
Steep sun-exposed slopes may still see moist or wet snow, but wet loose avalanches are not a concern for now. The continued mild temperature has consolidated the snowpack.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported recently. Warming signs of instability such as pinwheels and tree bombs were observed this past weekend.
If you are going out in the backcountry, please consider filling out a Mountain Information Network (MIN) report.
Snowpack Summary
A melt-freeze crust has likely formed at the snow surface with overnight cooling. Rising temperature will start to melt the snow surface, as the day progresses, especially on steep sun-exposed slopes.
At upper elevations, up to 20 cm of moist snow can be found. Large crystals of surface hoar may still exist on sheltered features.
The mid or lower snowpack is generally well-settled and bonded.
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
Tuesday Night
Mostly clear. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +6°C. Freezing level 3000 m.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +8°C. Freezing level 3200 m.
Thursday
Cloudy with light rain. 30 to 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +4°C. Freezing level 2500 m.
Friday
Cloudy with heavy rain. 30-50 mm. 40 to 60 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +6°C. Freezing level 3000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
- Be cautious of buried obstacles, especially below treeline.