Loose Wet avalanches will be the principal concern on Monday.
Cloud can cause warming (greenhouse effect). If the sun appears expect rapid heating.
Choose terrain with care if the snow surface is heating and losing cohesion.
Anticipate an increase in Loose Wet avalanches as the day warms up. This activity is most likely on solar (North facing ) aspects but could occur on any aspect below about 2000m. Avoid confined areas (gullies etc) and slopes exposed to terrain traps.
New snow and Easterly winds over the past 48 hours. Pockets of Wind Slab and Storm Slab may exist. Remain wary of especially, West facing slopes above about 1700m. Stay clear of ridge line entry points and other steep unsupported slopes if you encounter deposits of wind driven snow or stiff storm snow.
Observations have been hampered over the past couple of days by poor visibility. Loose Wet avalanche activity (size 1 and 2) was occurring at Treble Cone on Sunday. A cycle of Loose Wet avalanches is likely in the back country
If you see evidence of avalanches in the back country please enter a Public Observation.
Some fresh snow (20 - 30cm) in the West over the past 48 hours. 20cm further East. This new snow may take time to fully bond to the old surface. The underlying pack is mostly well consolidated. Having said that, facets and depth hoar (weak, sugary forms) have been found in places. These pockets of questionable strength appear to be reasonably isolated and are most likely to exist on slopes facing East to South. You would be wise to do some investigation before committing to steep, shady terrain.
Monday - mostly cloudy with isolated showers in the morning. Cloud breaking up in the afternoon. Light winds. Freezing level - 1600m.
Some fresh snow over the weekend will have reduced the sliding danger. However, keep in mind that the underlying pack remains shallow especially, at lower elevations. Rocks and icy areas may be lurking below a thin cover of fresh snow.
Moderate
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
