Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Corner Brook, Gros Morne, Long Range Mountains, Northern Peninsula.
New snow and wind will create dangerous conditions on steep wind-loaded slopes.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
A few small (size 1) wind slab avalanches were observed over the past few days. Wind slabs will grow and become larger and more reactive over the weekend.
Snowpack Summary
10 to 20 cm of new snow by Saturday morning is adding to 20 to 40 cm from the past week. This recent snow has accumulated above a widespread crust layer.
Extreme southwest wind will scour windward slopes and form deep deposits on lee terrain features.
Many parts of the region have low snow coverage and lower elevation terrain is likely thin and rocky.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Flurries with 10 to 20 cm of snow. 80 km/h southwest wind. Mountain temperatures -4 °C.
Saturday
Cloudy with a trace of snow. 60 km/h southwest wind. Mountain temperatures -5 °C.
Sunday
Stormy with an uncertain mix of rain and snow. Latest models suggest:
30 to 40 mm of rain in the south.
A mix of rain and snow around Gros Morne with 5 to 10 cm of wet snow.
15 to 25 cm of snow in the Northern Peninsula.
100 km/h southwest wind. Freezing level rises to 2000 m in the south, 1000 m in Gros Morne, and sea level in the north.
Monday
Mix of sun and cloud. 25 km/h north wind. Mountain temperatures -6 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Choose low-angled, sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
- Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
- Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Strong to extreme southwest wind will dramatically redistribute snow and form reactive slabs on lee terrain features.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Very Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2