Mountain Safety Collective Backcountry Conditions Report – Friday July 15
Mountainwatch| Mountain Safety Collective
Welcome to our first backcountry conditions report for 2022, provided by Mountain Safety Collective, which will be published every Friday. Read on:
High pressure over the South East continues through Friday with a new front accompanied by strong wind gusts and cloud coming through on Saturday afternoon. This will be accompanied by new snowfall to 1500m, strong winds and blizzard conditions with limited visibility through Sunday and into Monday. Be sure to check MSC’s daily Backcountry Conditions Reports before heading out through the weekend, as conditions will change significantly from Friday.
NSW Main Range (Thredbo, Perisher, Guthega, Charlottes Pass, Ramshead Range, Western Faces) – Friday Report
Another report yesterday of a wind slab triggered in the alpine. This time it was by a rider on Etheridge Ridge. The wind slab reactivity has been slow to heal and is still a concern in the alpine. Identify features of concern and evaluate the snow carefully prior to committing to your line. Localised ice is at all elevations and aspects. Crampons are recommended for safe travel. Read the full report »
VIC Dividing Range (Hotham, Falls Creek, Bogong, Fainters, Feathertop) – Friday Report
Variable snow surfaces as there is widespread ice in the alpine and localised ice in the subalpine on Ridgetops and windward NW slopes due to scouring. A breakable crust has formed on some solar aspects but should soften with today’s UV input. There is still some fresh windblown snow in the sheltered bowl and gulley features at lower elevations. Ski and boot crampons should be carried for safe travel on exposed ridges. If travelling into the alpine you should have an ice axe or whippet for self-arrest safety.
VIC Front Range (Buller, Buffalo, Stirling, Baw Baw) – Friday Report
Variable snow surfaces as there is widespread ice in the alpine and localised ice in the subalpine on Ridgetops and windward NW slopes due to scouring. A breakable crust has formed on some solar aspects but should soften with today’s UV input. There is still some fresh windblown snow in the sheltered bowl and gulley features at lower elevations. Ski and boot crampons should be carried for safe travel on exposed ridges. If travelling into the alpine you should have an ice axe or whippet for self-arrest safety.
MSC is a non-profit organisation supporting the Australian backcountry recreation community. It primary service is producing daily Backcountry Conditions Reports throughout the Australian snow season alongside a range of other information resources and facilities, such as Avalanche Training Centres. For more information on staying safe in the backcountry, visit Mountain Safety Collective.
