Avalanche Forecast
Wind slabs are the main concern. Recent observations have highlighted slab formation in mid-slope features too, not just at ridgecrests.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
A recent (12-24hr) natural wind slab release was observed to the northwest of Rosswood on Monday. This occurred on a steep, unsupported alpine feature at 1600 m and triggered a secondary, larger slide on the slope below it.
Snowpack Summary
Recent strong southerly wind formed wind slabs in lee terrain features near ridges while settled storm snow exists in sheltered terrain, and moist snow or a hard crust is found below around 800 m and on solar aspects.
Weak layers that were reactive over the Christmas and New Year's period have shown signs of bonding and gaining strength. These include a surface hoar layer buried on Dec 28 found 40 to 60 cm deep and a facet layer buried on Dec 23 found 60 to 100 cm deep.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy. Moderate south winds. Treeline high temperatures around -6 °C.
Thursday
Flurries through the day, accumulation up to 5cm. Moderate to strong southeast winds. Treeline high temperatures around -4.
Friday
Mainly cloudy with flurries, accumulation 3-5cm. Moderate southerly winds. Treeline high temperatures around -4.
Saturday
Mainly cloudy with flurries, accumulation 5-10cm. Moderate to strong south winds. Treeline high temperatures around -2.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Exercise caution on steep, unsupported slopes.
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
- Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent strong southerly wind formed wind slabs on north-facing terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2