Avalanche Forecast
South Coast
More precipitation is forecasted for Saturday, with snow at high elevations and rain below. Be cautious of periods of rapid precipitation loading, as avalanche activity may increase.
Avalanche Problem 1: Storm Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind or rain.
- Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind-loaded snow.
- Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices, which could trigger slabs on slopes below.
Avalanche Problem 2: Loose Wet
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Precipitation will fall as rain at lower elevations, saturating and weakening the upper snowpack. Watch out in steep and gullied terrain, where small avalanches can build and have severe consequences.
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.
- Best to avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from rain.
Avalanche Summary
On Thursday, it was easy to initiate large wet loose avalanche in steep terrain below treeline. The avalanches were generally slow but ran far.
Snowpack Summary
Around 15 to 60 mm of rain fell on the snowpack up to around 1700 m on Thursday and Friday, with precipitation as snow above. More of the same is forecasted for Saturday. In alpine terrain, the snow will create new storm slabs. This snow overlies variable surfaces including crusts and facets, which are more likely to be problematic on shady aspects. The snowpack below this is generally strong.
At treeline and below treeline elevations, a spring snowpack exists. Rain is saturating and weakening the upper snowpack, allowing for loose wet avalanches. This wet snow may freeze overnight at higher elevations with cool temperatures. The mid and lower snowpack are strong.
Weather Forecast
SATURDAY: Cloudy with snow at higher elevations and rain below, accumulation 20 to 30 mm water equivalent, strong southerly winds, treeline temperature 3 C, freezing level 1600 m.
SUNDAY: Mostly cloudy with early-morning precipitation, accumulation 10 to 20 mm water equivalent, light westerly winds, alpine temperature 1 C, freezing level 1400 m.
MONDAY: Mostly cloudy, light southwesterly winds, alpine temperature 2 C, freezing level 1600 m.
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Snowfall at higher elevations has formed new slabs. More snow is forecasted for Saturday, which will build thicker slabs. Observe for the bond of new snow with the old surface before committing into avalanche terrain.