Avalanche Forecast
Regions: South Coast.
Wind slabs at upper elevations will be the main concern as new snow accumulates and the wind blows from a variety of directions Tuesday night into Wednesday.
Confidence
Moderate - Forecast precipitation (either snow or rain) amounts are uncertain.
Weather Forecast
Tuesday Night: Flurries, accumulation 10-15 cm at upper elevations. Moderate to strong west wind. Alpine high -2 C. Freezing level 500 m.
Wednesday: Mix of rain and snow, accumulation 5-10 cm. Moderate to strong northwest wind. Alpine high 1 C. Freezing level 1300 m.
Thursday: Mix of rain and snow, accumulation 10-15 cm. Alpine high 3 C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Friday: Mainly cloudy with flurries starting in the afternoon. Alpine high -1 C. Freezing level 1000 m.
Avalanche Summary
There are no new reports of avalanche activity in the past few days.
Snowpack Summary
15-25 cm of new snow sits over a thick rain crust. The snowpack below the crust has likely switched from moist or wet snow to a solid crust with recent cold temperatures. Snowpack depths are suspected to be in the range of 150-250 cm around the peaks of the north shore mountains (1400 m), tapering quickly with elevation to almost nothing below 1000 m.
Terrain and Travel
- Be careful as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
- Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent new snow falling with moderate to strong west and northwest winds will promote wind slab formation. In some places slabs may be sitting on a crust which may make for a favourable sliding surface.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2