Avalanche Forecast

Unsettled conditions and shifting freezing levels remain until Monday, when the next front approaches bringing light precipitation to the Coast.

SATURDAY NIGHT: Cloudy, no precipitation, 20-30 km/h westerly winds, low treeline temperature +3 C with freezing level around 2000 m.

SUNDAY: Cloudy with isolated showers, accumulation 1-3 mm, 40-60 km/h westerly winds, high treeline temperature +4 C with freezing level at 2500 m.

MONDAY: Rain, accumulation 10-20 mm, 40-60 km/h southewesterly winds, high treeline temperature +3 C with freezing level going down to 1800 m.

TUESDAY: Cloudy with isolated showers, accumulation 1-3 mm, 5-10 km/h variable winds, high treeline temperature 0 C with freezing level at 1200 m. 

The heavy rain and warm temperatures likely triggered a natural avalanche cycle at all elevations in steep terrain with intense rainfall. Other areas saw relatively little activity, as the rain drastically reduced the snowpack depth. 

Observations are limited following this storm, if you head out into the mountains please share any observations or photos on the Mountain Information Network.

Heavy rain and warm temperatures have saturated the surface snow to at least 2100 m, forming a surface crust as temperatures cool the wet snow. Below this crust, snow is moist down 25-50 cm where several previous crusts (observed up to 1650 m) are now breaking down.

The middle and base of the snowpack are strong, consisting of well-bonded snow and various hard melt-freeze crusts.

• Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
• As surface loses cohesion due to melting, loose wet avalanches become common in steeper terrain.