New snow and strong SW winds will increase the avalanche danger over the next few days. What we could ski last week is not the same now. Slowly transition into wind affected terrain looking for the new slabs.
Windslabs are being found in alpine terrain and in specific features at treeline such as gullies. As wind and new snow continue we expect this problem to become more reactive.
10-15cm of snow is forecast to fall by the end of the day on Thursday with winds starting to diminish by mid-day and temperatures getting cold! Pay close attention to the winds as it comes in with the new snow. We are seeing windslabs continue to build and the increased load will make them more reactive.
Numerous cornice collapses were observed off of Mt Smith dorrien today but none ran into ski terrain. A recent skier triggerred sz 1 avalanche near the Dog Leg slide path on a southerly wind loaded aspect from the immediate lee.
With cracking observed on Wednesday in the low alpine we expect wind slabs to become more reactive to skiers tomorrow.
Wind effect from recent SW flow evident in Alpine areas with windslabs 20-30cm thick in open areas. Some cracking observed in immediate lees but once off the ridgeline snow was occasionally upside down with intermittent trips below the stiffer slab while skiing. At TL wind effect was confined to gullies and specific features. December crust down 80cm at 200m with 5cm of facets overlying this layer. Hard sudden collapse results were observed as the facet layer is getting more pronounced. Watch for the new snow to add load to the existing windslabs making them more reactive.
