Avalanche Forecast
Regions: South Coast Inland.
Storm slabs are expected to become increasingly reactive throughout the day as the new snow piles up. Snowfall amounts are expected to be less in the north. In areas that see less than 15 cm of new snow, the danger rating is likely MODERATE.
Confidence
Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain.
Weather Forecast
Tuesday night - Mainly cloudy / moderate to strong southwest wind / alpine low temperature near -4 / freezing level 1000 m
Wednesday - Snow, 10-15 cm for the north of the region, and up to 30 cm in the south / strong southwest wind / alpine high temperature near -3 /Â
freezing level 1200 m
Thursday - A mix of sun and cloud / light northwest wind / alpine high temperature near -6 / freezing level 1000 mÂ
Friday - Flurries, 5-10 cm / strong southwest wind / alpine high temperature near -5 / freezing level 1200 m
Avalanche Summary
Fresh snow and strong southwest winds are expected to form fresh storm slabs that will likely become increasingly reactive throughout the day, especially in the south, where up to 30 cm may accumulate.
A natural avalanche cycle was observed in the region on Saturday during the last storm.Â
Snowpack Summary
About 10-15 cm of new snow is expected to accumulate throughout the day in the north of the region, while the south may see up to 30 cm. Strong southwest winds are expected to form fresh and reactive slabs.
The new snow sits on a crust in most areas, except on north aspects above about 1500 m where it sits on either wind slabs or soft snow.
Cornices are large and looming along ridgelines. Their release is unpredictable, requiring a large berth if you're travelling above or below them.
Terrain and Travel
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- Choose conservative terrain and watch for clues of instability.
- Watch for changing conditions today, storm slabs may become increasingly reactive.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Fresh snow and strong southwest winds are expected to form fresh slabs that will probably become more reactive as the day goes on and the snow piles up. Wind loaded areas are expected to be the most reactive.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Cornices
Cornices are large and looming along many ridgelines, and have likely grown with the recent snow and wind. They require a large berth when travelling above and below them.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3