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Avalanche Forecast

Feb 5th, 2023–Feb 6th, 2023
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: East Island, North Island, South Island, Vancouver Island, West Island.

Carefully assess new snowfall amounts, if you observe greater than 20 cm of new snow expect sensitive storm slabs.

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday explosive control on the east side of the island triggered a size 1.5 wind slab on a north aspect at treeline. This avalanche ran on the crust from late January.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 70cm of new snow has accumulated above 700m with ongoing southerly wind impacting open terrain. This snow has fallen above a melt-freeze crust. The crust is up to 10 cm thick at lower elevations and tapers down to 1 cm thick on shaded or high elevation terrain. Below this crust, the snowpack is generally strong and bonded.

As the freezing level rises the snow surface below treeline will become wet.

Check out this MIN from our field team to learn more.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

increasing cloud with around 5cm of new snow expected at higher elevations. Light to moderate west winds shifting to southwest. Freezing level around 1000m.

Monday

Stormy with 5 to 30cm of new snow expected at higher elevations. Moderate to strong southwest winds and freezing levels rising to 1500m.

Tuesday

Cloudy with 5 to 15cm of new snow expected. Moderate southwest winds and freezing levels falling throughout the day to 500m.

Wednesday

A mix of sun and cloud with no new snow expected. Light southerly winds and a high of -5 at 1500m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
  • Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.
  • Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.
  • Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

New snow and wind will likely form new storm slabs. The largest and most reactive will likely be found on north and east aspects.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5