Mountain Safety Collective Backcountry Conditions Report – Friday July 22

July 22nd, 2022
Plan this weekend’s backcountry touring around low angled, low consequence terrain with no overhead hazards.

Mountainwatch | Mountain Safety Collective

After last weekend’s storm we saw several very large avalanches occur across both NSW and VIC. Despite the milder weather through the week, this problem still exists deep within the snowpack on steep, wind-loaded slopes and may become active as temperatures increase through the day. Plan your weekend’s backcountry touring around low angled, low consequence terrain with no overhead hazards.

 

Avalanche debris after a slide near Thredbo earlier this week

NSW Main Range (Thredbo, Perisher, Guthega, Charlottes Pass, Ramshead Range, Western Faces) – Friday Report

As we come into the weekend, uncertainty lingers in the Main Range. Although it will be getting harder to trigger an avalanche on the layer of concern, if it does release it has the potential to be large. We have seen many examples of large avalanches over the last week. Human triggered avalanches remain possible. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully. Avoid steep wind loaded slopes, especially as the day warms and the snowpack becomes weaker. Choose low-angle, low-consequence terrain with no overhead hazards.  Read the full report »

 

VIC Dividing Range (Hotham, Falls Creek, Bogong, Fainters, Feathertop) – Friday Report

The Hazard in the backcountry continues with low probability and high consequence. The instabilities in the snowpack are not typical for the region and the avalanche danger is MODERATE with large avalanches in isolated areas. Numerous reported natural and skier-triggered size 1-2 wind slab avalanches SE-SW aspects around Hotham. Human-triggered wind slab avalanches are still Possible on SE-SW aspects. Today is still not the day to be riding bigger terrain and careful route selection is required. Size 1 cornices are continuing to form on ridgetops. Variable snow and localised ice will be on windward slopes and ridgetops because of scouring. Favourable outlook with good visibility in both the alpine and subalpine. Read the full report »

 

VIC Front Range (Buller, Buffalo, Stirling, Baw Baw) – Friday Report

Low avalanche danger in the backcountry today but there is still a chance to trigger size 1 wind slab avalanches on SE-SW aspects above 30 degrees. Size 1 cornices are continuing to form on ridgetops that are stubborn. Variable snow and localised ice will be on windward slopes and ridgetops because of scouring in the alpine. Widespread ice in the subalpine. Favourable outlook with good visibility. Read the full report »

 

For more information on staying safe in the backcountry, visit Mountain Safety Collective.