Regions
South Coast Inland.
Generally the hazard comprises small wind slabs in exposed areas.
Confidence
Moderate - Due to the number of field observations
Weather Forecast
Lingering flurries are forecast for Saturday, with a clearing trend for Sunday and fine (warm) weather next week. Saturday: Scattered flurries and roughly 5 cm new snow. Freezing levels around 700 m. Moderate southerly winds.Sunday: Dry with some sunny breaks. Light northwesterly winds. Freezing level 700m.Monday: Dry with sunny periods. Light northerly winds. Freezing levels around 600 m.
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 southerly winds have blown snow around in exposed areas creating drifts and scoured areas. Stubborn wind slabs have formed near ridge crests and lee features.Treeline snow depths are approximately 100 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.