Date: 14/08/2020

Conditions Summary

Yesterday a field team travelled to up to 2050m on SE, S, and SW aspects. The surface on these aspects was moist from trail head to ridge-line. Below 1900 m, the surface crust had deteriorated and was not evident. Above 1900m the surface crust was present but had softened from Wednesday’s rain making up hill travel easier than the previous surface condition (widespread ice).

Above 1900m riding quality was fair on the softened crust whereas below 1900m snow conditions were heavy and sticky making travel a little trickier.

The snowpack is very supportive to both skinning and walking making for easy travel.

Alpine Conditions

Sub-Alpine Conditions

Daily Discussion:
Cloud cover is forecast to increase throughout the day. Be prepared for limited visibility and possible whiteout navigation.

Although the rain of the previous days has mainly softened the surface crust, there are still areas of localised ice in the alpine. Beware steep icy slopes.

Rain will weaken the snowpack and it will become less supportive particularly in the sub-alpine where the surface crust has deteriorated. Watch out for unsupportive snow in the sub-alpine.

Confidence: MODERATE

Uncertain of the timing and the amount of rain forecasted for today.

Weather Summary

Cloudy. Very high (90%) chance of showers and the chance of a thunderstorm. Snow falling above 1700 metres. Winds northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h becoming light in the evening. (Source: BOM)