Our main concern remains the base of our snowpack, which is weak and unconsolidated.
Be wary of large alpine or tree line features that have been wind loaded and thick to thin areas. This basal layer is still very triggerable.
Isolated wind slabs remains and if triggered, these wind slabs could step down to the basal facets. Also watch for warming temperatures in the alpine, any direct sun or above 0C temperatures could wake this problem up.
The bottom layers of the snowpack are facetted and weak in most areas. Given the unpredictable nature of this problem, use caution when venturing on to any steeper slope.
On Wednesday a group near Helen Shoulder remote triggered (from 30 m) a size 2 two avalanche on a south aspect at 2450m. The avalanche failed on the deep persistent layer near the ground.
Ski hills have also reported some windslab activity, up to size 1 both naturally and with explosives.
Wind effect, scouring and isolated hard wind slabs can be found in the alpine and some locations at treeline. Surface hoar is growing in sheltered areas below treeline. The mid-pack contains a rain-crust (below 2300m) in most areas and is somewhat settled and (mostly) supportive to skiers and boarders.
The base of the snowpack is a mix of weak facets and depth hoar.
Treeline snow depths range from 60-100 cm.
Mainly sunny conditions will continue as southwest winds remain moderate and temps mild, with a tree line high of -4 C . We may also see an above freezing layer develop on Saturday. This AFL will be based around 2200 m, topping out near 2700 m with a max. temperature around +1 C. These conditions should persist through most of Saturday, into early Sunday morning.
For more information, click Mountain Weather Forecast.
