Avalanche Forecast
Regions: South Coast.
Confidence
Fair - Due to the number and quality of field observations
Weather Forecast
Forecast models show no precipitation for the region until Thursday afternoon when a pulse of Pacific moisture is scheduled to arrive. Freezing levels will stay around 600m throughout out the forecast period, but an above freezing layer will pass through the region on Wednesday. Winds will be light from the S-SW until the Pacific moisture arrives, then bump up to moderate and strong on Friday.
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanches have been reported.
Snowpack Summary
A thick crust is the most dominant feature in the snowpack above 1500 metres with breakable crust below that. There are a variety of layers previously mentioned in snowpack discussions, but unless there is an extreme weather event, they are likely to remain out of the picture . Some areas have reported 5cm of soft snow in sheltered areas above 1800metres, and one reporting party has observed 8mm surface hoar development on North apsects around ridgetops. One operator has reported a Jan 4th surface hoar that may now be buried by as much as 20 to 40 cm.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely
Expected Size: 2 - 5