Avalanche Forecast
Regions: East Island, North Island, South Island, Vancouver Island, West Island.
Avalanches are possible on wind-loaded features in the alpine.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
While no significant avalanche activity has been reported this week, wind slab avalanches probably occurred during the height of Thursdayâs storm.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 30 cm of new snow is possible in higher terrain, and itâs likely to be heavily wind-affected. Amounts will taper off quickly below treeline, though the exact rain-snow line remains uncertain.
The new snow is expected to bond well to the strong and settled snowpack.
Lower elevations continue to melt out rapidly.
Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Cloudy with 0 to 10 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.
Friday
Mostly cloudy with 0 to 2 cm of snow. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.
Saturday
Mostly sunny. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +1 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.
- A hard crust on the snow surface will help strengthen the snowpack, but may cause tough travel conditions.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs that formed in the alpine on Thursday may remain reactive on ridgelines and open alpine slopes.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South West, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2