Regions
South Coast Inland.
Watch for wind slabs in exposed areas. If snow amounts exceed those indicated in the weather forecast section, consider adjusting your objectives accordingly.
Confidence
Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain
Weather Forecast
A series of storms is expected to bring only relatively light amounts to this region.Wednesday: Expect around 5 cm new during the day, then another 5-10 cm on Wednesday night. Freezing levels around 1200 m. Moderate westerly winds, becoming strong southwesterly later on.Thursday: 5-10 cm new snow, but note there is uncertainty with this forecast. Freezing levels around 1200 m. Moderate southwesterly winds.Friday: 5 cm new snow. Freezing levels around 1000 m. Strong southwesterly winds.
Avalanche Summary
There was a natural avalanche cycle on Sunday. On Monday and Tuesday no activity was 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 20-30 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.