Avalanche Forecast
South Coast
Cooling temperatures have formed a thick crust that extends into the alpine. At upper alpine elevations pockets of wind slab may exist and will likely be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
Avalanche Problem 1: Wind Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets that may exist near ridge crests and roll-overs.
- Use caution above cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.
Avalanche Problem 2: Cornices
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Large cornices have formed and may remain fragile. Cornices are unpredictable and demand respect. Give them a wide berth from above and below, especially during periods of warming temperatures or sun-exposure.
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Give cornices a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Avalanche Summary
On Saturday, a cornice collapse was the likely cause of a size 2 avalanche on a north facing slope near the West Lion. See here for images and more details.
Pockets of thin wind slabs may exist in wind-loaded areas in the high alpine and may be sensitive to human triggers.
Snowpack Summary
Rain at the end of the week saturated snow surfaces and only higher alpine elevations were lucky enough to receive a light cover of new snow. With the arrival of cold temperatures, the upper snowpack has locked up as a firm crust. The average snowpack depth at treeline is 300 cm of well settled snow with no significant layers of concern.
Weather Forecast
MONDAY: Sunny. Ridge wind light, northwest. Temperature -3. Freezing level 700 m. Alpine inversion.
TUESDAY: Mostly cloudy, flurries. Accumulation 5-10 cm. Ridge wind moderate, west. Temperature near -2. Freezing level 600 m. Alpine inversion.
WEDNESDAY: A mix of sun and cloud with occasional flurries. Ridge wind light, north west. Temperature near 0 degrees. Freezing level 700 m.
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Wind slabs may have a poor bond to the underlying crust and be reactive at upper alpine elevations. Loose dry avalanches are possible from steep alpine terrain features.