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Avalanche Forecast

Feb 26th, 2024–Feb 27th, 2024
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
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
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

Regions: East Island, North Island, South Island, Vancouver Island, West Island.

Recent weather has resulted in a high degree of variability across the region so be sure to verify avalanche conditions in your area as you travel and before committing to terrain.

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

On Sunday, several size 1-2 wind slabs were observed out of steep rocky north aspects around treeline in this great MIN report from Kitchener.

Snowpack Summary

In the north island, 20-40 cm of recent snow sits on a crust that likely extends into the alpine. (Check out this MIN report from Kitchener on Sunday.) Further south, the crust may be on the surface or lightly dusted by dry snow.

The mid and lower snowpack is generally uniform, with no significant layers of concern.

Below treeline, most areas are below threshold for avalanches.

Weather Summary

Monday night

Partly cloudy with scattered flurries bringing a trace. 40 to 50 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C. Freezing level sea level.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy with p to 5 cm of snow. 40 to 60 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 500 m.

Wednesday

Heavy snowfall, 30 to 50 cm of new snow. 80 to 100 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.

Thursday

A mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 800 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
  • Investigate the bond of the recent snow before committing to your line.
  • When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

In northern areas, recent snow may be poorly bonded to underlying surfaces. Slabs are likely be most reactive in wind loaded terrain features.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2