Avalanche Forecast

Poor - Due to limited field observations

Drier and colder conditions are forecast for Saturday. Strong easterly winds may occur in the bigger valleys as cold air flows out to the sea. The next storm is expected to hit the north coast as early as Sunday noon. Expect strong winds and heavy precipitation Sunday night and Monday. The freezing levels should rise to near 1000 metres with the new storm.

I suspect there was a decent natural cycle during the storms earlier this week, especially on wind-loaded slopes. The possibility of human-triggered wind and storm slab avalanches is expected to remain for the forecast period.

Another 10-15cm adds to the recent storm snow totals. Varying temperature, precipitation intensity, and wind throughout the recent storms have probably resulted in weaknesses strewn throughout the top metre or so. However, the relatively warm post-storm temperatures on Thursday should favor settlement and strengthening. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong, with an old rain crust near the ground. Strong outflow winds from the east may build new wind-slabs on westerly aspects in areas that have snow available for transport.