Avalanche Forecast
Regions: East Island, North Island, South Island, Vancouver Island, West Island.
Unsettled conditions can bring significant snowfalls locally.
The avalanche danger will increase as new snow accumulates.
Dial back your terrain choices if you see signs of instability.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Thursday, numerous solar-induced avalanches were triggered on steep southerly slopes at treeline near Mount Washington.
On Wednesday, several natural storm slabs (up to size 1.5) were reported on northerly aspects at treeline.
Human-triggered storm slabs were also easily triggered (up to size 1) on west, north and east aspects at treeline and below.
If you are heading out into the backcountry, please consider submitting a Mountain Information Network report.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 25 cm of new snow, accompanied by moderate to strong southerly wind, will likely form new storm slabs on most aspects. Unsettled conditions can bring up to 40 cm of new snow in localized areas. Under this storm snow, a thin crust is found on southerly aspects.
A robust crust, formed in early March, can be found down 50 to 100 cm. The snow above is well bonded to this crust. Below this, the snowpack is well consolidated and strong.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Cloudy with 10 to 15 cm of new snow. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.
Sunday
Cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of new snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.
Monday
Increasing clouds in the afternoon with isolated flurries. 15 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 800 m.
Tuesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
- Avoid freshly wind-loaded terrain features.
- Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
- Avoid terrain traps such as gullies and cliffs where the consequence of any avalanche could be serious.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Additional snowfall will contribute to reactive storm slabs. These slabs will be largest and most reactive on northerly slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2