Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

Recent avalanche activity has been limited to loose dry sluffing and small (size 1) rider-triggered wind slabs in lee terrain features at upper elevations.

Reports indicate good riding quality in the top 30 cm or so at most elevations. 50 to 80 cm of snow from the weekend is settling and bonding well to an underlying crust.

Below 1300 m, surfaces are moist and/or crusty.

The remainder of the snowpack is thoroughly settled and bonded.

Snowpack depths at treeline are now about 200 cm on the north and south island, and 300 cm on the central island.

Tuesday night

Cloudy. Isolated flurries bringing 0 to 3 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3°C.

Wednesday

Cloudy. Isolated flurries bringing 0 to 3 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2°C.

Thursday

Cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of snow. 50 to 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1°C. Freezing level rising to 1000 m.

Friday

Cloudy. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0°C. Freezing level 1400 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Pay attention to the wind; once it starts to blow, sensitive wind slabs are likely to form.
• Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
• Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.