Northwest Inland

New snow may be hiding old wind slabs. Watch out for lee features even if there aren't obvious signs of fresh wind loading.

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

SUNDAY: flurries overnight becoming light snow through the day with total accumulations of 5 to 10cm expected, light southerly winds, 1000m freezing level. MONDAY: flurries continue, light westerly winds, 1000m freezing level. TUESDAY: flurries continue overnight before clearing through the day, light easterly winds, 1000m.

Numerous small wind slabs were reported in the Alpine from the north west of the region, were recent snow fall amounts were greatest. Below treeline warm temperatures triggered a widespread loose wet avalanche cycle and glide crack releases on Friday.

Recent snow has been heaviest in the west and north of the region, creating new wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline. The new snow sits above old wind effected snow, a crust on sunny aspects or surface hoar in isolated sheltered and shady locations. A rain crust may be found on the surface at lower elevations. In general the upper snow pack is reported to be bonding well to a crust buried on February 12th, now 40 to 80cm down, that extends up to around 2000m. The early January surface hoar can be typically be found between 60 and 140cm down. Although it is getting harder to trigger in most places this layer it remains a concern, especially in the north and east of the region. Shallow snowpack areas also have a weak base layer of facetted snow just above the ground.