Avalanche Forecast
South Coast
Heavy precipitation is on the way Friday. The question is at what elevation will it fall as snow with a potentially high freezing level? This will be accompanied by strong south winds.
Avalanche Problem 1: Storm Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.
Avalanche Problem 2: Loose Wet
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Rising freezing levels and rain will rapidly weaken the snow surface initiating loose wet avalanches.
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Avoid steep slopes when air temperatures are warm, it is raining, or the solar radiation is strong.
Avalanche Summary
We have received very little information on avalanche activity for this region. From the little we have heard, there were no new avalanches to report from Wednesday. Forecast heavy precipitation should mean that the likelihood of triggering avalanches is on the rise at upper elevations.
We would very much appreciate it if you spend a moment to submit any observations you have to the Mountain Information Network here, even if it is just a photo. Thanks!
Snowpack Summary
Heavy precipitation is forecast Friday. If it falls as snow at upper elevations, it will build reactive storm slabs which sit over a predominant thick crust. It is difficult to predict where and when rain will switch to snow, but expect the transition to happen as you approach mountain top.
Below tree line, a spring snowpack exists. Rain has saturated upper snowpack. Forecast rain will continue this trend.
Weather Forecast
FRIDAY: Rain or wet snow, accumulation 25-35cm / Strong south wind / Alpine temperature 3 / Freezing level 1700 m
SATURDAY: Rain or wet snow, accumulation 20-30cm mostly overnight Friday into Saturday / Strong south wind / Alpine temperature 2 / Freezing level 1300 m
SUNDAY: Wet flurries / Light west wind / Alpine temperature 2 / Freezing level 1300m
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Heavy snow at upper elevations is building new, reactive storm slabs. Watch for new slabs in areas when the rain switches to snow. The snow will fall with strong southwest winds, so expect thicker slabs in lee features.