Avalanche Forecast
South Coast
Fresh storm slabs may bond poorly to the latest melt-freeze crust. Watch for how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.
Avalanche Problem 1: Storm Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, cracking or recent natural avalanches.
- Avoid steep convex slopes.
Avalanche Summary
On Sunday, skiers were able to trigger Size 1 storm slabs on westerly aspects near tree line in the North Shore mountains. Since then, rain and subsequent cooling temperatures have 'locked up' the upper snowpack and avalanche activity has ceased.
Snowpack Summary
Temperatures got quite warm at the tail end of Sunday's storm, with up to 30mm rain falling on 15-20cm snow. Clearing overnight into Monday morning resulted in a widespread melt-freeze surface crust.
The rained-on snow from the weekend is bonding well to the previous melt-freeze crust from early December's warm weather.
Below tree line the snow pack is thin and there are many early season hazards. Snowpack depths range from 40 cm at 800 m elevation to 200 cm at 1220 m.
Weather Forecast
Active weather returns on Tuesday with moderate amounts of snow and cool temperatures.
TUESDAY: Snow. 5-10cm overnight with 10-15cm accumulation throughout the day. Ridge wind moderate from the east. Temperature near -2. Freezing level 500 m.
WEDNESDAY: Sunny with cloudy periods. Ridge wind moderate northerly. Freezing level 600 m.
THURSDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries. Ridge wind moderate from the north west. Temperature near -3. Freezing level 400 m.
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Tuesdays's storm snow will be falling on a widespread melt-freeze crust that exists to upper tree line elevations. Keep a close eye on how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.