Avalanche Forecast
Regions: South Coast Inland.
Fresh wind slabs may be building at upper elevations. Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, cracking, or hollow sounds.
Confidence
Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain.
Weather Forecast
Thursday night - Cloudy with clear periods / moderate southwest wind / alpine low temperature near -8 / freezing level at or near valley bottom
Friday - Flurries, 5-10 cm, with another 10-20 cm overnight / strong southwest wind / alpine high temperature near -8 / freezing level 1000 m
Saturday - A mix of sun and cloud / light to moderate northwest wind / alpine high temperature near -10 / freezing level 1000 mÂ
Sunday - Mainly sunny / light northwest wind / alpine high temperature near -3 / freezing level 1700 m
Avalanche Summary
Fresh and reactive wind slabs may form throughout the day with strong southwest wind.
A natural avalanche cycle was observed in the region on Saturday during the last storm.Â
Snowpack Summary
5-10 cm of snow is expected to fall on Friday, bringing this week's storm snow totals to about 15-30 cm. Strong southwest wind is forecast on Friday, which will may form fresh and reactive wind slabs in lee terrain.
The recent storm 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
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Fresh snow with moderate to strong winds may form reactive wind slabs in lee terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Cornices
Cornices are large and looming along many ridgelines, and have likely grown with the recent snow and wind.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3