Look for signs of instability like natural avalanches, whumpfing and shooting cracks. Wind slabs at treeline could have formed over touchy surfaces like crusts and surface hoar making them larger and more sensitive to triggering.
Southwest winds have redistributed recent snow into wind slab on west, north and east facing slopes at treeline and above. Wind slab avalanches could step down to deeper layers resulting in large destructive avalanches. avoid wind loaded features.
A surface hoar layer from mid November is buried down up to 40cm in the region. As snow continues to fall adding load to the snow pack it is likely that this layer is approaching a tipping point where it will become more sensitive to rider triggering . Use extra caution at treeline where this layer is more prominent and look for signs of instability and stiff feeling snow.
No new avalanches have been observed or reported in this region. However, note that we have had very few field observations. Please consider filling out a Mountain Information Network report if you are heading to the backcountry.
Southerly winds continue to redistribute new snow into wind slabs on west, north and east aspects. around 10cm of recent snow has buried a layer of surface Hoar in sheltered terrain and a sun crust on south facing slopes.
A concerning layer of surface hoar from mid November is buried down up to 40cm . This layer could become more reactive as slab properties above it increase with new snow and wind.
Friday Night
Flurries with trace amounts of new snow expected. Southerly winds increasing throughout the night, strong by early Saturday morning. Low of -7 at 1500m.
Saturday
Cloudy with up to 5cm of new snow. Moderate southerly winds in the morning becoming light in the afternoon. High of -4 at 1500
Sunday
Flurries in the morning bringing trace amounts of new snow and then clearing in the afternoon. High of -4 at 1500m. Light easterly winds.
Monday
Mostly cloudy with the possibility of light flurries bringing trace amounts of new snow. Light winds and a high of -6 at 1500m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
