Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

No new avalanches have been reported in recent days with limited travel and visibility in the mountains. We suspect a natural avalanche cycle has occurred in the past few days during periods of heavy loading from snow/rain and wind.

Looking forward to Sunday, human triggering remains likely. A crust formed in early January is now buried 60-80 cm and has the ability to produce large and surprising avalanches.

Heavy snowfall accumulation has occurred above 1000 m in the past few days. Rain will soak the snowpack at lower elevations. Avalanches during this period could run on a crust layer that is roughly 60 deep. Snowpack depths at treeline are roughly 100 cm, while most below treeline terrain is below the threshold depth for avalanches, except for isolated smooth features.

Saturday night

Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries. Alpine temperatures drop to a low of -1 °C. Ridge wind southeast easing to 15 - 30 km/h. Freezing level drops to 1000 metres.

Sunday

Rain/Snow, heavy at times, 10-30 mm with greatest amounts on the western side of the island. Alpine temperatures reach a high of 0 °C. Ridge wind south 40-60 km/h. Freezing level rises to 1300 metres.

Cloudy with precipitation, 5-15 mm. Alpine temperatures reach a high of 0 °C. Ridge wind southeast 35-55 km/h. Freezing level 1300 metres.

Cloudy with sunny periods. Alpine temperatures reach a high of 0 °C. Mostly light ridge wind occasionally gusting to 35 km/h from the south. Freezing level 1000 metres.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind or rain.
• Use conservative route selection. Choose simple, low-angle, well-supported terrain with no overhead hazard.
• Fresh snow rests on a problematic persistent slab, don't let good riding lure you into complacency.
• Keep in mind the crust offers an excellent bed surface for avalanches.