Windslabs can be found in Alpine areas and isolated areas at treeline. Still very early in the season so think about your knees over the long term!!! Below treeline is still below threshold.
Weather Forecast
No new snow is forecast for the next few days and temperatures are forecast to continue to be seasonal with daytime highs around -2C. Winds are also forecast to be calm so overall it should be a nice day on Thursday!
Avalanche Summary
A few older (+36hrs) sz 1.5-2 avalanches on N Aspects but otherwise, no recent activity.
Snowpack Summary
The recent storm snow (up to 25cm) is beginning to settle. There is isolated wind affect along ridgelines and some evidence of crossloading in alpine areas but in general the new snow appears to be bonding well to the November temperature crust. This crust will likely be an important layer for us to follow for the season. Currently our observations are still very limited as snow levels below treeline are still generally below threshold and getting to where there is skiing potential is challeging.... Snowpack at Highwood pass is currently 50cm deep and at Burstall pass there is 76cm.
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.