Solid overnight crust recoveries are keeping the avalanche hazard low.
Good skiing can still be found on higher elevation polar aspects.
A storm system on Tuesday will bring snow to the alpine and rain to valley bottoms.
Cornices are LARGE and may be sensitive to temperature fluctuations, solar radiation, wind loading or just your mere presence nearby. Take necessary precautions if approaching them to access your line and limit your exposure below them.
Monday will see increasing cloud cover over the day and isolated flurries. Ridge top winds will be up to 25km/hr from the South. The freezing level will rise up to 1800m and the alpine temperature will reach -3. A storm system moves into the region Monday evening bringing 10-15cm of snow and increasing winds to higher elevations by Tuesday midday.
A supportive crust (15-20cm thick) from valley bottom to ~2200m makes for quick travel in the morning (ski crampons recommended). Preserved soft snow can typically be found on polar slopes at higher elevations. Wind affected snow in the alpine from the Northerly winds from a few days ago.
Natural activity has been minimal this past week. Be wary of cornices, limit your exposure below them and use extreme caution if approaching them from the ridge.
On Wednesday there was a size 3 skier triggered (on belay) cornice fall off of Mt Bonney. Last Monday, there was a close call when a small wind slab nearly took a skier into a crevasse!
