Avalanche Forecast
Regions: East Island, North Island, South Island, Vancouver Island, West Island.
Updated 630 am: Overnight snow and wind have formed fresh and reactive storm slabs at upper elevations.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanches have been reported, but field observations are limited this time of year.
If you head into the backcountry please submit a MIN report! They are extremely helpful to us in the early season when snowpack information is limited.
Snowpack Summary
20-30 cm of snow buries a variety of wind-affected surfaces and possibly a surface crust on south aspects and low elevations,
80 to 100 cm of snow can be found in the alpine, with wind-loaded areas up to 150 cm. Many lower elevation areas remain below threshold for avalanches.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
20-30 cm of new snow. Strong to extreme southerly ridgetop winds. Alpine temperature low of -2. Freezing level around 800 m.
Thursday
Isolated flurries bringing up to 5 cm new snow. Moderate southwesterly ridgetop winds. Alpine temperature high of -5. Freezing level around 700m.
Friday
Cloudy with flurries bringing up to 5 cm new snow. Moderate southerly ridgetop winds. Alpine temperature high of -5. Freezing level around 500m.
Saturday
10-20 cm new snow. Light to moderate southerly ridgetop winds. Alpine temperature high of -5. Freezing level around 500m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Storm snow and wind is forming touchy slabs. Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline.
- Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
New snow and wind are forming fresh slabs. These storm slabs may be especially reactive where they sit over a crust.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2