Avalanche Forecast
Regions: South Coast Inland.
Wind slabs at higher elevations may be reactive to human triggers especially where a wintry snowpack exists.
Confidence
Low - Due to the number of field observations
Weather Forecast
THURSDAY: Mainly cloudy with light precipitation. Alpine temperatures near -4 and freezing levels 2000 m. Ridgetop winds moderate from the southwest.
FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. Alpine temperatures near -3 and freezing levels 1400 m. Ridgetop wind moderate from the West.
SATURDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods. Alpine temperatures near -6 and freezing levels 1600 m. Ridgetop wind moderate to strong from the West.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches reported on Wednesday.
If you have any recent observations during your travels, we would greatly appreciate it. If you posted a photo or any other information to the Mountain Information Network (MIN), thanks!
Snowpack Summary
In the alpine, up to 10 cm cold wind-affected snow is holding onto northerly aspects. Southerly winds have produced isolated wind slabs around ridges and in the immediate lee features at upper elevations. Cornices have been failing recently.
Recent precipitation fell as rain upwards of 1800 m which has re-frozen as a crust well into the alpine on southerly aspects and all aspects below. Warm overnight temperatures will prevent crust recovery as you lose elevation. Expect thin surface crusts to break down quickly with daytime warming and rain.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
South-southwesterly winds have produced isolated pockets of wind slab around ridges and in the immediate lee of slopes. Cornices may be touchy, give them plenty of space.
- Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests.
- Cornices may be touchy and could trigger wind slabs on slopes below.
- Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, or cracking.
Aspects: North, North East, East.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Wet
Rising freezing levels and rain at lower elevations may initiate loose wet avalanches.
- Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet, especially at lower elevations.
- Use caution above terrain traps like gullies where small avalanches may have severe consequences.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2