Tongariro

Wind slabs exist on the north and west aspects. Wind-transported deposits are gaining strength despite volume and mass. Slick icy crusts on exposed slopes exist. Strong alpine skills will be a must. The weather will be fine apart from the chance of an afternoon or evening shower.

Fine, apart from a chance of an afternoon or evening shower. The winds are light northernly and increasing throughout the day on the 13th of July. The freezing level is 1500 metres, lifting to 2000 metres in the morning. A ridge of high pressure over New Zealand moves away to the east today as a broad trough approaches from the west; the trough then moves across the South Island on Monday.

Windward and exposed areas have been stripped by gale winds during the past storm cycle a few days ago. This has exposed an icy rime crust on slopes above 1400 metres. Plenty of hazards, such as exposed rocks and cliff bands, remain. It's essential to carry the appropriate gear, crampons, and an ice axe. A targeted skill set will reduce the chance of an accident.

Moderate

• We are confident due to a stable weather pattern.
• We are uncertain due to a limited number of field observations.

No natural or human-triggered avalanche activity has been observed or reported over the previous 24 hours.

Wind transported deposits on the north and west aspects now have a capping rime crust in the southwest areas of the region. Weaknesses will be present within these deposits but continue to strengthen, becoming unreactive. Signs of lingering instability have been noted today. Snowfall accumulation has also been noted on Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Tongariro. The threshold has lowered over the previous 24 hours. The southwest areas of the region have isolated start zones above 1600 metres and have enough snow for avalanches to run.