Avalanche Forecast
Regions: South Coast.
Avalanche hazard will increase as snowfall resumes and fresh storm slabs build in the afternoon. If more than 30 cm falls before the end of the day, be ready to dial back terrain choices to simple, low angle slopes free of overhead hazard.
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the timing, track, & intensity of the incoming weather system.
Weather Forecast
Monday night: Flurries, 5-10 cm, moderate southwest wind, freezing level 900 m.
Tuesday: Snow starting in the afternoon, 15-25 cm, strong to extreme southwest wind, treeline high temperature -2, freezing level 1000 m.
Wednesday: 30-50 cm overnight the clearing, strong wind easing to moderate southwest, treeline high temperature -2, freezing level 1100 m.
Thursday: Sun and cloud, light southwest wind, treeline high temperature 0, freezing level rising to 1500 m.
Avalanche Summary
Numerous natural (size 1) and explosive triggered (size 2) avalanches were reported in the North Shore mountains on Thursday and Friday. No new avalanches were reported over the weekend.Â
Snowpack Summary
Recent storm totals at upper elevations are upwards of 200 cm. This snow has likely seen extensive wind effect but we have received no alpine observations. Recent snow may contain and/or sit on a crust. At lower elevations, the previously rain soaked mid to lower snowpack will be dense and refrozen, or still wet below 1000 m.
The remainder of the snowpack is well-settled.
Terrain and Travel
- Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.
- Choose conservative terrain and watch for clues of instability.
- Dial back your terrain choices if you are seeing more than 30 cm of new snow.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
New snow and wind will likely create widespread and reactive storm slabs at upper elevations.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Very Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2