Avalanche Forecast
Regions: South Coast.
Strong overnight winds and continued snowfall at upper elevations will form reactive storm slabs, maintaining elevated avalanche danger Tuesday.
Confidence
Moderate - Forecast precipitation (either snow or rain) amounts are uncertain.
Weather Forecast
Monday night: 10-15 cm new snow. Alpine low 0 C. Strong southwest winds Freezing level 1000-1200 m.
Tuesday: 5-15 cm new snow with rain below 1200 m. Light south winds. Freezing level 1300 m.
Wednesday: 20-30 cm of new snow with rain below 900 m. Strong southwest winds, easing overnight. Freezing level 1200 m.
Thursday: A mix of sun and cloud with flurries in the evening. Light southwest winds building to strong in the evening. Freezing level 1500 m.
Avalanche Summary
On Saturday, small pockets of loose wet snow (less than size 1) were reactive to skier traffic.
Snowpack Summary
New snow overnight and through the day above 1200 m sits on a rain crust up to 1400 m. Dry snow at higher elevations has been heavily wind affected by strong overnight winds. The snowpack is strong and settled from earlier rain, and now 200-300 cm deep around the peaks of the north shore mountains.Â
Terrain and Travel
- Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.
- Avoid terrain traps such as gullies and cliffs where the consequence of any avalanche could be serious.
- As surface loses cohesion due to melting, loose wet avalanches become common in steeper terrain.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Wind loaded pockets of storm slab will build at higher elevations where snowfall accumulates. Up to 1400 m, new snow sits on a crust.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Loose Wet
Loose wet avalanches are possible in steep terrain due to rain and warm temperatures at lower elevations.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Below Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2