Mountain Safety Collective Backcountry Conditions Report – Friday 25 July 2025

Mountainwatch | Mountain Safety Collective

Last weekend’s classic run of sunshine and great snow in the backcountry came to an abrupt end as extreme winds and rain ripped through the mountains on Tuesday. Given the depth of the snowpack and the firm crust on many aspects, the rain didn’t do much damage and was quickly topped up by fresh snow as the temperatures fell overnight into Wednesday morning.

This new snow has been wind loaded onto east aspects by the westerly winds and adhered well to the moist surface following Tuesday’s rain. More snow fell on Wednesday night and Thursday saw exceptional snow quality on leeward slopes from peaks to valley floors. While areas of ice crust remain on westerly aspects and ridgetops, the new snow has healed previously icy south aspects. Continue to carry crampons in case you do encounter icy slopes.

Friday will see a cold morning and mostly cloudy day with winds increasing through the afternoon as the next front arrives through Friday night. Pay very close attention to the weather and backcountry forecasts in coming days, as this storm cycle will see extreme winds, pre-frontal rain and blizzard conditions from Saturday through to at least next Tuesday. Put any big mission plans on pause until a stable weather window returns.

Visibility will be very limited in the alpine during the next week as low cloud is forecast to hug alpine peaks and will be prime conditions to get lost in a whiteout. Stick to terrain below the treeline during these periods for better visibility and more opportunities to identify navigation landmarks. Be very confident with your whiteout navigation skills if you do venture into the alpine during these periods.

With larger volumes of snow forecast in this next storm and extensive wind loading on leeward slopes, wind slab avalanche hazards are likely to increase. You can keep up to date with free Backcountry Conditions Reports every day by visiting Mountain Safety Collective.

The Arc’teryx Winter Film Tour continues its run in Canberra and Jindabyne next week if you want to watch some fantastic mountain movies, and don’t forget that