Avalanche Forecast

High - We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast

Unsettled conditions and shifting freezing levels remain until Monday, when the next front approaches bringing light snow to the Coast.

FRIDAY NIGHT: Cloudy, with isolated flurries. Freezing levels slowly fall from 2500 m to 1500 m. Moderate southwest winds.  

SATURDAY: Freezing levels begin around 1500 m, with a mix of sun and cloud and isolated flurries. Northern areas will see steady freezing levels, whereas the south will rise to 2000 m over the day. Moderate westerly winds. Alpine high +2. 

SUNDAY: Freezing levels begin to rise overnight in all areas, reaching 2500 m by midday. Isolated flurries are possible, with mostly cloudy skies. Alpine high +3. 

MONDAY: The next front brings light snowfall and cloud, around 10cm, with moderate wind from the west. Freezing levels fall to 2000 m over the day. Alpine high +4. 

The heavy rain and warm temperatures likely triggered a natural avalanche cycle at all elevations in steep terrain with intense rainfall. Other areas saw relatively little activity, as the rain drastically reduced the snowpack depth. 

Observations are limited following this storm, if you head out into the mountains please share any observations or photos on the Mountain Information Network.

Heavy rain and warm temperatures have saturated the surface snow to at least 2100 m. As temperatures cool the wet snow will form a thick surface crust. Below this crust, snow is moist down 25-50 cm where several previous crusts (observed up to 1650 m) are now breaking down.

The middle and base of the snowpack are strong, consisting of well-bonded snow and various hard melt-freeze crusts.

• Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
• As surface loses cohesion due to melting, loose wet avalanches become common in steeper terrain.