Avalanche Forecast
Regions: South Coast.
Relatively thin but reactive slab avalanches have occurred in recent snow sitting over a hard crust. These are most likely triggered in wind-affected terrain and on slopes that face the sun.
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the timing or intensity of solar radiation and its effect on the snowpack.
Weather Forecast
FRIDAY NIGHT: Clear and cold. Strong northwesterly winds are expected overnight.
SATURDAY: Clear in the morning with increasing cloud. Light northwesterly winds. Freezing level 700 m.
SUNDAY: Light snow, around 5 cm. Moderate southwesterly winds. Freezing level 1100 m.
MONDAY: 30 cm new snow expected. Strong southwesterly winds affecting all elevations. Freezing level around 900 m.
Avalanche Summary
On Thursday, skier triggered storm slab avalanches up to size 2 were reported on all aspects. The new snow is sitting on a hard rain crust and may remain reactive to human triggers; especially in wind affected terrain or on slopes that face the sun.
Snowpack Summary
15-20 cm of new snow sits on top of a hard rain crust that exists all the way to the tops of the North Shore mountains. These storm slabs will react readily on steep slopes facing the sun. They may also be reactive in wind affected terrain.Â
The snowpack below the rain crust is well settled and strong in most areas.
Terrain and Travel
- Expect slab conditions to change drastically as you move into wind exposed terrain.
- Avoid exposure to steep sun exposed slopes.
- Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.
- Keep in mind the crust offers an excellent bed surface for avalanches.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Winds blew hard from the southwest then turned northwest leaving exposed areas highly variable. The recent snow sits above a hard crust and could be easily triggered where wind deposits exist and on slopes exposed to the sun.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2