Avalanche Forecast
Regions: South Coast Inland.
Confidence
Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Friday
Weather Forecast
THURSDAY: Â Flurries, accumulation 5cm / Moderate to strong south wind / Alpine temperature -2 / Freezing level 1300mFRIDAY: Flurries, accumulation 10-15cm / Moderate to strong southwest wind / Alpine temperature -3 / Freezing level 1400mSATURDAY: Flurries, accumulation 5cm / Moderate southwest wind / Alpine temperature -4 / Freezing level 1000m
Avalanche Summary
There is no recent avalanche activity to report. On Thursday, wind slabs may remain reactive to human triggers at upper elevations. In northern parts of the region, the deeper February weak layers continue to present a low probability / high consequence scenario.
Snowpack Summary
On Tuesday the freezing level reached 2000+m. A subsequent freezing may have created a thin crust. 10-15cm of snow at upper elevations may now sit on this crust. Thicker wind slabs and large cornices likely exist in alpine terrain. A widespread thick rain crust forming last week up to 2100m is now approximately 40-60cm below the surface. In the north of the region, the February weak layers are 80-120 cm deep and include a buried surface hoar layer that recently produced a few persistent slab avalanches and a crust/facet layer that appears to be gaining strength. In the southern parts of the region, the lower snowpack is generally stable.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 4