Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 14th, 2017–Apr 15th, 2017

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

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

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: South Coast Inland.

The next big change is on Sunday: Sunny warm weather will be the driver of avalanche problems.

Confidence

Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Monday

Weather Forecast

The clouds will clear out Saturday afternoon, giving way to pleasant weather on Easter Sunday. Back to moist spring weather on Monday. SATURDAY: Isolated flurries (3-5cm possible) and occasional sunny breaks. Freezing level around 1500 m. Winds light northerly.SUNDAY: Clearing with some good sunshine. Freezing level rising to 1800 m in the afternoon. Winds light southerly. MONDAY: Snow (5-10cm) above 1700m. Winds 20-30 km/h from the south.

Avalanche Summary

On Thursday, skiers in the north of the region were able to trigger a Size 1.5 wind slab on a steep north facing aspect near 2100m.Expect avalanche activity to increase with the warm weather on Sunday.

Snowpack Summary

Relatively light amounts of recent snow (5-15 cm in the past two days) and moderate southerly winds have created wind slabs in the immediate lee of exposed terrain features at treeline and above. On Sunday the sun will come out in full force - it's a good time to remember that cornices remain large in some areas and could trigger large avalanches when they fail (especially when warmed by the sun). The fatal accident near Lions Bay a week ago illustrates the danger of cornices breaking off, and the large avalanches they can trigger.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Shifting wind directions have created fresh wind slabs on a variety of aspects.

Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Avoid travelling in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, South West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Cornices

Recent snow and wind are growing already large cornices. Minimize your exposure to cornices when it is cold and cloudy and completely avoid them when it is warm and/or sunny.

Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.Falling cornices can trigger large avalanches.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3