Conservative terrain selection is required today for safe travel. Be cautious what's above you, avalanches have the potential to run full path!
Weather Forecast
Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries, alpine temperature of -12C and ridge top winds south west 15-25km/h. A weak low pressure system is being pushed south of us by an incoming High Pressure system, bringing clear cold conditions starting tomorrow. The cold weather is forecasted to last until the 5th of January.
Snowpack Summary
60 + cm of new snow in the last 72 hours at tree line accompanied by mod to strong winds has created a slab @ tree line and in the Alpine. A total of 1m of Storm snow also overlies the Dec 18 Facet interface, which was reactive to Artillery control on Southerly aspects yesterday.
Avalanche Summary
Widespread natural and artillery controlled avalanche cycle yesterday to size 3 all aspects and elevations. The largest Avalanche though was just west of the park on Mt. Fortitude (size 4)
Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-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.
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.