Date / Region: 04/07/2020 VICNorthEast
Advisory Confidence: LOW / Limited Field Observations
Alpine Conditions
Sub-Alpine Conditions
Mountain environments can be categorised as above or below the tree line, thus Alpine and Subalpine respectively. Find out more about how these types of terrain can create or mitigate backcountry hazards here.
Travel & Terrain advice:
35cm of snow has fallen in the past 48 hours accompanied by moderate NW winds. It is likely that this new snow has formed wind slabs in the alpine on lee aspects and cross loaded areas. With limited field observations, it is uncertain as to the distribution of these slabs and how touchy they may be. Exercise extra caution and evaluate slopes carefully prior to committing to your line.
Regional Community Observations:
Reports of fallen timber and bark debris at lower elevations on access routes significantly increasing travel times.
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Observations Summary
Snow Surface Conditions Summary
35cm of new snow overnight in alpine areas, with a 25 below treeline. Snow quality and cover good above treeline, but early season shallow snowpack with obscured hazards below treeline. At this time, there are insufficient observations to reliably forecast the avalanche hazard, as such we are working off experience and consensus. That said, it is likely that this new snow has formed wind slabs in the alpine. These wind slabs may bond poorly to any old snow that remained from previous early season snow falls. CS
Alpine depth: 45-60cm
Snow condition: Powder, Low density.
Sub-Alpine depth: 25cm
Snow condition: Powder, Low density.
Alpine depth: 20cm
Snow condition: Powder, Low density.
Sub-Alpine depth: 25cm
Snow condition: Powder, Low density.
Weather Summary
A cold front is moving through on Friday night, bringing a good dump of snow to the Main Range. With sub-zero temps overnight, the fresh snow on Saturday should be light and dry. SW winds ranging from 20 to 30 kmh through the day, possible gusts to 45kmh.