A couple close calls recently with avalanches failing on the mid-pack facets highlight the need to use caution in steep terrain. There is some great skiing to be had above treeline but stick to moderate angled terrain with low consequences.
Summary
Weather Forecast
A cooling trend is expected to continue over the next two days with light West winds and occasional light flurries. The freezing level is expected to be around the surface overnight, rising to 1600m during the day.
Snowpack Summary
5-10 cm of new snow Monday, becoming moist below 1700m. Buried sun crusts on solar aspects. Recent moderate West winds have formed wind slabs in lee areas of the alpine. A firm upper snow pack sits over a generally weak mid-pack of facets and depth hoar. In shallow areas snowpack tests results are typically collapses near the ground.
Avalanche Summary
Monday a skier accidental size 2.5 on the
Collie Glacier, at 2600m, approaching the Richard and Louise Guy Hut from Mt Collie. The avalanche failed on the Jan 6th mid-pack facets and was triggered when crossing below a steep rocky slope in poor visibility. 2 partial burials with minor injuries. Sunday a
skier accidental size 2.5 near Bow Summit.
Confidence
Due to the number and quality of field observations