Skier accidental avalanche on Heros knob today (see forecast details tab for details). Up to 20cm of new snow forecast to fall in the region starting late in the day on Friday. Avalanceh danger is increasing at this time.
Confidence
Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain on Friday
Weather Forecast
A fast moving low pressure system is forecast to track across the forecast region bringing with in new snow (up to 20cm) and strong SW winds at higher elevations. Temperatures will remain cool with only -10C as a high at 3000m. The bulk of the new precipitation is forecast to hit the region later in the day on Friday.
Avalanche Summary
A report into the office of a skier accidental sz 2 avalanche on an East aspect at 2600m in the Heros knob area. Skier started down slope, fell due to a shallow rock and lost both skis. While walking up to grab his skis the slope released and the skier went for a 500m ride. The skier came to rest buried up to his waist with only minimal injuries and 1 lost ski pole.
Snowpack Summary
Field teams in the Aster lake area report light snowfalls throughout the day with moderate SW winds. Storm slabs up to 30cm thick are beginning to build in open alpine terrain with the recent winds. No reports of cracking or whumnpfing but forecasters were reporting the snowpack starting to feel "Cakey". These new slabs are overlying a variety of previous snow surfaces from hard slabs, sastrugi and or gravel.
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.
Loose Dry
Loose Dry avalanches are the release of dry unconsolidated snow and typically occur within layers of soft snow near the surface of the snowpack. These avalanches start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-dry avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs.
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.