Sunny skies will prevail, warming up the snowpack. Expect the snow to moisten and weaken during the heat of the day.
Summary
Confidence
High - Confidence is due to a stable weather pattern; little change is expected for several days.
Weather Forecast
TUESDAY NIGHT: Clear skies, light northeast wind, treeline temperature -1 C, freezing level 1200 m.
WEDNESDAY: Clear skies, light southeast wind, treeline temperature 2 C, freezing level 1800 m.
THURSDAY: Clear skies, light to moderate southwest wind, treeline temperature 0 C, freezing level 1500 m.
FRIDAY: Increasing clouds, moderate southwest wind, treeline temperature 0 C, freezing level 1300 m.
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanches were observed in the region. The last reported activity was from the weekend, where wind and storm slab avalanches were triggered by riders at treeline and alpine elevations in the north of the region.
Snowpack Summary
Clear skies and a warming trend are warming the snowpack, primarily on sun-exposed slopes. Snow may become wet and loose during the heat of the day. Wind slabs may also linger in steep, lee terrain near ridges at alpine elevations in the north of the region.
The remainder of the snowpack is well-settled. The snowpack depth varies from around 200 to 250 cm at the peaks of the North Shore mountains (1400 m) and rapidly decreases with elevation to no snow below 1000 m.
Terrain and Travel
- Cornices become weak with daytime heating.
- Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet
Problems
Cornices
Cornices will weaken with daytime heat. Stand well back of them on ridges and avoid travelling beneath them.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Sun-exposed slopes will warm up with daytime heat. Wet loose avalanches could sweep you off your feet and push you into terrain traps, such as gullies or cliffs.
Aspects: South East, South, South West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 19th, 2020 5:00PM
