Avalanche Forecast

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain

Monday: Moderate snowfall arriving late in the day and continuing overnight - moderate to strong southerly winds - freezing level at 700m Tuesday: Continued moderate snowfall - moderate to strong westerly winds - freezing level at 500m Wednesday: Very light snowfall - light to moderate southwest winds - freezing level at 700m

Avalanche observations were extremely limited on Saturday as most operators observed but 5% of their terrain. Having said that, a skier accidental avalanche occurred at 1900m on a south/southeast slope. The crown was between 30 and 80cm and it was suspected to have reacted on the early February interface. I expect ongoing wind/storm slab and persistent slab activity with forecast weather.

Recent moderate snow accumulations and strong winds have been responsible for extensive wind transport at higher elevations, and recently developed hard and soft wind slabs now exist at treeline and in the alpine. In the mid snowpack lies the mid-February surface hoar. Buried over a metre down, this surface hoar may exist in combination with crusts or facets. These persistent weaknesses have remained reactive all week and are an ongoing concern at all elevations as avalanches may be unexpectedly large and destructive. Large cornices have formed and could also act as a trigger on the slope below.