Avalanche Forecast

High

• We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast.
• We are confident due to a stable weather pattern.

No recent avalanches have been reported.

If you are heading into the backcountry, consider sharing your observations and posting a MIN.

In the alpine and at treeline on the north and west island, expect to find 40-60 cm of settling snow (possibly moist, possibly containing thin crusts) over the thick and strong mid-March crust. On the east and south island, this crust is more likely to be around 20 cm deep.

Steep south facing slopes may be crusty or moist depending on time of day and sun exposure.

The snowpack below the mid-March crust is wet but well settled and strong.

Monday Night

Partly cloudy. 10 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 800 m.

Tuesday

Mix of sun and clouds. 15 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level rising to 1400 m.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy. 5 to 15 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.

Thursday

Mostly sunny. 1 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
• Although avalanches are unlikely when a hard crust exists on the snow surface, the crust may pose a slip and fall hazard.
• Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.