Avalanche Forecast
Regions: East Island, South Island, Vancouver Island, West Island.
The sun at this time of year can pack a punch so watch for signs of warming in recent snow on steep south aspects. In the north island around Mt Cain, wind slabs may be especially reactive due to an underlying crust.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanche observations in the past 2 days.
Explosive control work produced size 1-2 storm/wind slab avalanches on Monday and Tuesday in the Mt Washington area.
Snowpack Summary
30-60 cm of recent snow has been redistributed at upper elevations. At lower elevations, it continues to settle amid mild temperatures. A sun crust or moist snow may exist on steep solar aspects.
The mid and lower snowpack is well consolidated, containing a series of well-bonded crusts.
Weather Summary
Thursday night
Clear. Wind easing to light northeast. Alpine low -5 ËšC.
Friday
Mostly sunny. Light westerly wind. Alpine high of 0 ËšC.
Saturday
Snowfall starting, around 5 cm. Moderate southwesterly wind. Alpine high -1 ËšC.
Sunday
15-30 cm of new snow. Strong southwesterly wind. Alpine high -1 ËšC.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet
- A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
The more the snow surface heats up, the more likely loose wet avalanches become in steep south facing terrain features.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5