Avalanche Forecast
Regions: South Coast Inland.
A warming trend will weaken cornices and snow on sun-exposed slopes during the heat of the day. Wind slabs may linger at high elevations.
Confidence
High -
Weather Forecast
MONDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy, 10 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -7 C.
TUESDAY: Partly cloudy, 10 to 20 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -5 C, freezing level rising to 1500 m.
WEDNESDAY: Partly cloudy, 20 to 30 km/h south wind, alpine temperature -2 C.
THURSDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, 20 to 40 km/h south wind, alpine temperature -2 C.
Avalanche Summary
The recent storm snow was reported as being reactive to rider traffic on Sunday, producing small avalanches on steep terrain features. Here is an example of avalanche activity within the recent snow in the north of the region. Looking forward, wind slabs could still be triggered by riders on Tuesday. Sun-exposed slopes and cornices will weaken during daytime warming, increasing the likelihood of cornice failures and wet loose avalanche activity.
Snowpack Summary
Wind slabs may linger in steep, lee terrain features at treeline and alpine elevations from Sunday's 5 to 15 cm of snow with associated southwest wind. The deepest and touchiest slabs are likely in the north of the region. Expect to find a hard melt-freeze crust on sun-exposed slopes and below around 1400 m, which will moisten with daytime warming, particularly under sunny skies. Large cornices line many ridges and will weaken with daytime warming.
Terrain and Travel
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
- Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
- Extra caution is needed around cornices under the current conditions.
- A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Riders could still trigger wind slabs from recent snow and strong southwest wind. The most likely terrain to find them is on leeward, steep slopes adjacent to ridges. Thicker and potentially touchier slabs are expected in the north of the region, where more snow accumulated.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Cornices
Cornices are large and looming along many ridgelines. A warming trend and sunny skies will weaken cornices, increasing the likelihood of them releasing naturally or from the weight of a person.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3
Loose Wet
Wet loose avalanche activity is most likely at higher elevations, as the recent snow moistens from daytime warming. Use caution on steep sun-exposed slopes during the heat of the day. The problem is likely most prevalent in the north of the region where more snow accumulated.
Aspects: South East, South, South West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2