Sunday will be the last day of fine weather before the next storm arrives.
If winds increase and begin to transport surface snow, watch for Wind Slab development.
Rising North/North Winds on Sunday may begin to shift snow and create deposits of Wind Slab. Be on the lookout for slab formation particularly, on slopes facing East through to South West above about 1700m. Avoid ridge line entry points and other steep terrain if you discover stiff wind driven snow.
No avalanche activity reported recently. Natural Wind Slab avalanches (up to size 2) occurred around Treble Cone a few days ago . These failures occurred mainly on North East aspects between 1800 and 2000M.
If you see evidence of avalanches in the back country please enter a public observation.
While the snow pack remains shallow there are certainly some areas holding cold dry snow. Recent snow will have landed predominantly on tussock, scree and rock below about 2000m. A buried rime crust exists in places. Also, cold clear nights are driving facet development (weak, sugary forms). Crust and facet layers will become a concern when further loading occurs.
Sunday - fine with areas of valley fog or low cloud. Light to moderate North/North West winds rising to gale force at upper elevations in the evening. Freezing level - 1300m.
Limited sliding danger at present.
Moderate
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
