Avalanche Forecast

Expect avalanche activity to be widespread as this new storm dumps a large amount of snow over a thin, early season snowpack.

See this MIN post regarding touchy conditions on Mt. Seymour on Friday.

Up to 50 cm of new snow has introduced rapid change to the thin, early season snowpack. In the alpine and upper treeline the new snow could form rider triggerable storm slabs on specific slopes that are above threshold.

The new snow is falling on a variety of early season surfaces, including crusts and 5-15 cm of recent snow. Previously, snow coverage in the region was generally thin, patchy and showing lots of ground roughness. Average snowpack depths at treeline ranged from 20 to 60 cm and tapered off rapidly below treeline.

Friday Night

Cloudy. 30-50 cm of snow expected, with the highest amounts on the immediate coast. Strong south or southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -3°C.

Saturday

Cloudy. 5-10 cm of snow expected. Moderate Southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -5°C.

Sunday

Cloudy. 10-15 cm of new snow expected. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level rising to 1250 m.

Monday

Cloudy. Moderate to heavy rain expected. Moderate to strong south or southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level rising to 2750m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Be careful to keep storm day fever from luring you out into bigger terrain features.
• Avoid areas with overhead hazard.
• Avoid terrain traps where the consequence of any avalanche could be serious.