Conditions will remain spring-like over the weekend.
Summary
Confidence
Good - The weather pattern is stable
Weather Forecast
A ridge will build over the weekend signaling an end to the wetness although freezing levels are forecast to remain high (1500m) throughout the forecast period. Rain will continue overnight Friday into early Saturday with up to 10mm expected accompanied by moderate westerly winds. Isolated showers with sunny breaks are expected for Sunday with light northwesterly winds. The region should be mainly dry and sunny by Monday with light northerly winds.
Avalanche Summary
Avalanche activity appears to have tapered off for now although small lose wet avalanches have been reported in steep terrain.
Snowpack Summary
In the south of the region, rain has saturated the snowpack to ridgeline. Upper elevations in the North of the region may have received between 5 and 10 cm of new moist snow while rain fell below 2000m. The supportive rain crust from earlier in February can be found down about 50cm in the South. Further north it is buried closer to 1m down. The snow is moist below 2000m and a breakable melt-freeze curst can be encountered from 1400m to up to about 1900m. Reports suggest that stumps and creeks are exposed at lower elevations.
Problems
Wet Slabs
It is expected to remain warm on Saturday with isolated showers. Periods of either rain or direct sun could increase the likelihood of wet slab avalanches or cornice collapse, particularly in higher terrain.
Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Loose wet activity remains possible in steep open terrain and gullies.
Be very cautious with gully features.>Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 14th, 2015 2:00PM
