South Coast

Don't linger underneath cornices. If the sun comes out, avoid sunny slopes.

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

The first in a series of fronts is expected to bring light snow overnight Friday, with moderate south-westerly winds and the freezing level dropping to around 1300 m. There is a lull on Saturday before a second front brings light snow and moderate to strong winds again on Sunday. Another lull is expected on Monday.

Size 1-2 loose wet avalanches were failing on steep solar aspects over the last couple of days. A few small wind slabs were triggered by skiers on Tuesday. Cornices are large and fragile, and may fail under the weight of a person.

Cornices are large and weak. Incoming light snow will land on variable surfaces including wind slabs and scoured surfaces, surface hoar and sun crusts. Recently formed wind slabs are generally settling, but may still be reactive to human triggers in specific terrain, and may be triggered by cornice fall. Several crusts can be found in the upper metre of the snowpack. A layer of surface hoar buried in early January is down 1-2 m. In most places it is thought to be capped by a thick strong crust and triggering an avalanche on it is unlikely.