Recent storm snow and warming temperatures will make for more dangerous avalanche conditions, especially on wind-affected alpine slopes.
This week's combined storms have created 30 - 60 cm storm slabs. As temperatures rise and the sun pokes through the clouds on Saturday watch for the storm snow becoming a more cohesive slab.
Observations are limited at this time of year. No new avalanches have been reported or observed. Expect to see natural activity increase as the day warms up. If you do head into the backcountry please submit a MIN report!
10 - 20 cm of storm snow over the south and central island and 30 cm in localized areas. This has added to the previous storm snow to create a 30-60 cm storm slab. In open alpine and treeline areas, moderate winds are expected to create deep pockets of wind slab in lee areas.
70-100 cm of snow can be found in the alpine, with wind-loaded areas up to 150 cm.
Every storm helps to creep the snowpack toward threshold for avalanches however some areas at treeline and most areas below treeline have yet to overcome ground roughness and remain below the threshold.
Friday night
Cloudy with flurries. Snowfall will be heaviest from 16:00-18:00 hours. Clearing through the early morning with isolated flurries. Moderate south to southeast ridge winds. Alpine temperature of -5 and freezing levels 300m
Saturday
Scattered clouds clearing throughout the day. Isolated flurries in the morning. Moderate easterly ridge winds easing to light in the afternoon. Freezing levels will rise to 1200 m through the day bringing alpine temperatures with it to +1.
SundayClear skies with light southeast to east winds. Alpine temperature high +5 low +1. Freezing levels continue to rise to 2100 meters.
MondayClear skies and light variable winds. Alpine temperature high -1. Freezing levels drop down to 800 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
