Avalanche Forecast
Regions: East Island, North Island, South Island, Vancouver Island, West Island.
Variable winds may have produced wind slabs on all aspects at higher elevations.
A localized storm in the southern part of our region may have produced reactive storm slabs.
At lower elevations, a crust will make for challenging travel conditions, but generally safe avalanche conditions.
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
Monday, backcountry users reported a few small wet loose avalanches. Until temperatures cool, expect to see more of these.
Thank you to all who contribute to the Mountain Information Network. If you head to the backcountry please consider doing the same.
Snowpack Summary
Two separate systems brought up to 30 cm to the far north and up to 20 cm to the far south. At higher elevations at higher elevations. In most areas, the new snow and wind slabs will be sitting on a widespread crust. Another crust found up to 70 cm down, extends to mountain tops and is found on all aspects. Recent reports suggest this crust is bonding poorly to the snow above.
The remainder of the snowpack is consolidated and strengthened.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Cloudy, 0 to 5 cm accumulation in most places with up to 10 to 15cm accumulation to the south, winds southeast 20 to 40 km/h, treeline temperatures -15 °C.
Thursday
Cloudy with the sun breaking through around lunchtime, 0 to 5 cm accumulation ending in the morning, winds east 30 to 40 km/h, treeline temperatures -13 °C.
Friday
Mostly sunny, trace accumulation, winds north northwest 20 to 30 km/h, treeline temperatures -10 °C.
Saturday
Cloudy, 6 to 12 cm accumulation, winds southwest 50 to 60 km/h, treeline temperatures -6 ºC.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- A crust on the surface will help bind the snow together, but may make for tough travel conditions.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent snowfall and variable winds may have formed fresh wind slabs at upper elevations and potentially on all aspects. These slabs have formed over a smooth crust and as a result, they may not bond well.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2