5-10 cms of new snow with wind has created new windslabs. Expect these to be reactive, especially around ridgetop.
Cold temperatures can turn a minor incident into a serious one. Be sure to pack extra layers, a hot drink and emergency blanket or tarp.
Another sneaky 5-10cms of new snow with 30-40 km/hr Southerly winds will has created a fresh windslab. Previous to this, winds have varied in direction so be on the lookout for reverse loading. Fresh wind slabs are thin but are definitely big enough to knock you off your feet in steep terrain.
Field teams observed skier triggered size 1's in the Connaught valley today, these were isolated to the new snow on old firm bed surfaces.
An avalanche cycle was observed in the park on Wednesday. The avalanches were in the 1.5-2 range and all looked to be the result of wind loading. Recent MIN reports also describe a reactive windslab problem.
Moderate SW winds created variable, reactive surface wind slabs. Localised downflowing valley winds have created wind effect in open areas BTL. Sheltered areas have ~15cm of cold, faceted snow atop a denser, wind-pressed layer. Below this lies a weak interface (Jan 7th layer) down 30-60cm, comprised of surface hoar (all aspects) and or a thin crust on steep S aspects.
High pressure settles in over the region giving clear skies and no significant snowfall.
Tonight Cloudy with clear periods. Ridge wind NW 10-25 km/h. Alp low -14C°. Freezing level (FZL) at valley bottom(VB)
Sat Mix of sun & cloud. Precip: Nil. Alp high -10C°. Ridge wind light. FZL at VB
Sun Sun & cloud. Precip: nil. Alpine high -2C°. Ridge wind NW 10km/h.
Mon Sun & cloud. Precip: nil. Alp high 0 C°. Ridge wind: NW 10 km/hr
Sunday