Avalanche Forecast
Regions: South Coast.
The weather pattern is set to change on Sunday, with warm temperatures and precipitation in the forecast.
Confidence
Moderate - Forecast precipitation (either snow or rain) amounts are uncertain.
Weather Forecast
Saturday Night: Wet flurries, accumulation 5-10 cm, moderate to strong southwest wind, treeline high temperature -2, freezing level 800 m.
Sunday: Flurries or rain showers, moderate southwest wind, treeline high temperature near 1 C, freezing level 1200 m.
Monday: Snow or rain, accumulation 15-20 cm, moderate to strong southwest wind, treeline high temperature 3 C, freezing level 1500 m.
Tuesday: Heavy rain or snow, strong west wind, treeline high temperature 5 C freezing level 1600 m.
Avalanche Summary
On Friday there were reports of loose dry and wet avalanches running to to size 1. This MIN post outlines the conditions nicely on Friday.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 10 cm of new snow falling on Friday at uppermost elevations has likely been wind affected. this snow snow sits on a crust. Below the 1200 m elevation band the snow surface is likely moist, wet or refrozen as a surface crust.Â
The remainder of the snowpack is well consolidated.
Terrain and Travel
- Be careful as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent strong southerly wind has likely created windslabs slabs at uppermost elevations in lee terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2