South Coast Inland

Natural avalanches are unlikely but small, isolated rider triggerable wind slabs could exist.

Stepping out into big terrain with good travel habits and group management is appropriate.

High

• We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast

On Tuesday numerous natural, wet loose avalanches up to size 1 were observed. These avalanches occurred in steep, rocky south facing terrain.

Surface snow conditions are variable. On steep, sun-exposed slopes, a new, thin crust is present and may soften with solar input. On north-facing slopes at treeline and above, the snow surface is generally wind-affected. On sheltered features at treeline a new surface hoar layer is forming.

The mid December crust is 90 to 150 cm deep, except on wind scoured alpine features where it could be on the surface. This crust is well bonded to the snow above. Above 2200 m, this crust is absent and an old crust complex and faceted snow from November is found at the base of the snowpack.

Wednesday Night

Clear skies. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.

Thursday

Mostly sunny. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.

Friday

Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 3 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy. 3 to 10 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 900 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Pay attention to isolated wind affected features in the alpine, as well as cross-loaded features at treeline.
• Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.