Avalanche Forecast
Regions: South Coast Inland.
Recent snow and moderate southwest winds have formed wind slabs that may be reactive to human triggers on lee features at treeline and above.
Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain as temperatures increase.
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.
Weather Forecast
Tuesday night: Clear / Light southwest wind / Low of -11 / Freezing level 400 m.
Wednesday: Sunny with increasing cloudiness in the afternoon / Light southeast wind / High of 3 / Freezing level 1800 m.
Thursday: Mix of sun and cloud / Light variable wind / High of 4 / Freezing level 1800 m.
Friday: Mix of sun and cloud / Light north wind / High of 5 / Freezing level 2000 m.
Avalanche Summary
Small (size 1) naturally triggered wet loose avalanches were reported on steep solar aspects on Monday.
We currently have very limited avalanche observation data from this region.
Please consider posting your observations to the Mountain Information Network (MIN). Photos of current conditions and avalanches are the most helpful.Â
Snowpack Summary
5-20 cm of recent snow and moderate southwest winds have formed wind slabs that may be reactive to human triggers on lee features at treeline and above.
The recent snow is sitting on a variety of hard snow surfaces, including crusts and wind scoured snow. Below this, there are several crusts in the upper snowpack, but they are unlikely to be a concern in most areas until the next significant warming event.
Terrain and Travel
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
- Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
5-20 cm of recent snow and moderate southwest winds have formed wind slabs that may be reactive to human triggers on lee features at treeline and above.
Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Cornices
Cornices may be weak and reactive to human triggers. They create a significant falling hazard, and may produce large slab avalanches as they fall onto the slope below.
Cornice failures are more likely during hot and sunny weather.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5