Regions
South Coast Inland.
Generally the hazard comprises small wind slabs in exposed areas. If storm amounts come in greater than indicated in the weather discussion, use additional caution and modify your objectives accordingly.
Confidence
Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain
Weather Forecast
Friday: 5-10 cm new snow with freezing levels around 900 m. Strong southwesterly winds.Saturday: Around 5 cm new snow with freezing levels around 700 m. Moderate southerly winds.Sunday: Mostly dry with some sunny breaks. Freezing levels around 600 m. Light northwesterly winds.
Avalanche Summary
There was a natural avalanche cycle on Sunday. So far this week, no activity has been reported, although there are not many observers out there right now. Small wind slabs are the most likely type of avalanche during over the next few days.
Snowpack Summary
Approximately 30-40 cm new snow now sits on top of a rain crust that formed during the recent wet weather. The crust is reported to be thick (15 cm) below treeline and thin (2 cm) in the alpine. Strong winds have blown snow around in exposed areas creating drifts and scoured areas. Treeline snow depths are approximately 90 cm throughout the region.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.