Avalanche Forecast
Regions: East Island, North Island, South Island, Vancouver Island, West Island.
Expect spring-like conditions at low elevations and winter as you head towards mountain peaks.
Watch for wind slabs at higher elevations, especially where fresh, dry snow can be found.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
A rider-triggered avalanche was reported on Friday around 50 cm deep on a convex roll. Check out the MIN post for more details. This indicates a poor bond between the recent storm snow and the old snow surface, especially in wind-loaded features.
We expect that natural avalanches also occurred throughout this storm, primarily from steep terrain and wind-loaded features.
Observations are very limited at this time of year, please consider sharing any information or photos you have on the Mountain Information Network to help guide our forecasts.
Snowpack Summary
Dry snow may still be found at the highest elevations, transported into deeper deposits on north-facing terrain features, by strong southerly winds. As elevation decreases you are likely to find a mix of denser snow and crusts from recent rain. This recent storm snow sits over a widespread crust that extends to most mountain peaks.
Below treeline elevations hold previously saturated snow that has likely refrozen in many areas from cooling temperatures. In terrain where a thick refrozen crust exists - avalanche activity is unlikely.
The middle and lower snowpack are strong and well-bonded.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries, 5-10 cm. Easing southwest wind. Freezing levels around 1300 m.
Monday
A mix of sun and cloud. Light to moderate westerly wind. Freezing level 1600 m. Treeline temperatures around 4 °C. No snowfall expected.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny with freezing levels rising near 2000 m. Treeline temperatures around 6 °C. Moderate westerly winds. No snowfall.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud with freezing levels rising to 2500 m. Moderate westerly winds. Flurries possible.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
- Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Watch for reactivity at higher elevations, in wind-loaded terrain. Storm snow sits over a crust, and may take time to form a bond.
Avoid crossing wind-loaded slopes near ridgelines or mid-slope rollovers.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2