Mountain Safety Collective Backcountry Conditions Report – Friday 23 August 2024

Mountainwatch | Mountain Safety Collective

The run of very mild temperatures and rain has continued across the mountains this week, further degrading the snowpack at lower elevations and stripping trailhead access back to grass below 1600m.

Below 1900m, the snowpack is isothermal (zero-degree snow temperature from surface to ground) that is very unsupportive. Skinning up on skis and splitboards is still manageable, but expect to sink up to thigh deep on snowshoes or while boot-packing. There’s a lot more exposed vegetation and rocks in the subalpine, and creeks have reopened. Take particular care on the ski and ride back down, as the heavy, wet snow is primed for causing knee injuries.

The snowpack has fared better above 1900m, and is generally more supportive with pleasant turns possible on the descent. A light overnight refreeze may require crampons for uphill travel on Friday. Depending on how moist the snow becomes through the day, there is the potential for larger loose wet avalanches on steeper terrain.

Any weekend tours or snow camping plans should be carefully assessed with extreme winds returning on Friday night and up to 50mm of rain forecast to fall to high elevations from Saturday to Monday.

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