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A snowy few days are coming up, with some strong winds at high levels. The new snow will be unstable for a while especially as the depth increases and winds move it around. In addition, don't forget the deep slab problem that exists in some areas. Thanks for reading our forecasts - if you like our work, please visit the 'join us' page to support.
OLD Size 3 natural slab avalanche on NE wall of the couloir on the far rider's left side of lower Kobi area.
Loose wet slide coming off a rocky, steep area
A consistent snowpack of 100 - 150cm can be found around the area, with lower snow depths in the sub-alpine and deeper areas where wind has deposited snow near ridges. Layers of high-denstity wind-packed snow, and a couple of lower-density layers between these can be found, but these have caused only broken or resistant failures in tests. The main structural problem for now is a sugary, weak base at ground, around 10 - 20cm thick. This layer is unpredictable since the early snow cover was inconsistent. It's more likely to be found in the high alpine zone on W, N and E slopes, but has been seen in the alpine zone too. With recent heat, glide cracks are opening on grassy faces in the alpine and sub-alpine. A lot of surface hoar has been forming recently - this might be a weak interface allowing the new storm snow to slide easily.
A weather system moves across the area bringing what might be quite a significant amount of snow over the next few days. Strong winds are forecast on Sunday and Monday at higher elevations. The freezing level hovers around 2000m before dropping on Wednesday.
Below about 1700m, the new snow will be very wet and it may even rain - small loose wet slides are likely. Glide cracks have been opening up - don't hang out below them because these areas of snow can slide at any time, regardless of time of day or temperature. Some areas are still deceptively rocky, e.g. S faces at high elevations.