Date: 21/08/2020
Conditions Summary
Good skiing was found in the sub-alpine yesterday. Obstacles have been covered by the >40cm of new snow. In the afternoon, the snow got heavier but still made for fun skiing.
There were no observations in the alpine.
Alpine Hazards
Sub-Alpine Hazards
Daily Discussion
A cold front is forecast to come through the area today. Freezing levels will decrease to 1200m by the afternoon.
The storm of the season continues! We are now up to approximately 46cm of snow at 1700m. Winds continue to be consistently strong to extreme from the NW. More snow and wind is forecast today!
In the alpine, windslabs are the primary concern from the NW winds. Although there is no direct evidence, due to whiteout/blizzard conditions, we suspect that these windslabs are becoming touchier. Conservative route finding and careful snowpack evaluation are essential.
Also, beware of new cornice development. These cornices may be touchy and pull back further that you expect.
In the sub-alpine, the storm snow has reached a critical amount and may react as a storm slab particularly in steeper terrain. Snowpack tests yesterday found several instabilities within the new snow both on graupel and decomposing particles.
It is going to be a stormy day. Be prepared for whiteout navigation and carry an extra layer for the wintery conditions.
Forecast Confidence: STRONG
Avalanche Problems
Primary Problem
Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making essential.
Secondary Problem
Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify areas of concern.
We need your eyes too. If you’ve been in the backcountry we’d love to know what you have seen. Every little bit helps.
Weather Summary
Cloudy. Very high (95%) chance of snow showers. The chance of a thunderstorm this afternoon and evening. Winds west to northwesterly 35 to 55 km/h. (Source: BOM)
