Avoid avalanche terrain, or better yet, avoid the backcountry altogether on Thursday and Friday.
Heavy snow and gale-force winds are expected over the coming days, likely creating a considerable avalanche hazard during the storm cycle.
Storm and wind slab will likely increase over the next few days as a northwest storm starts to move over the region and is expected to continue into Friday. This problem may increase on a range of aspects, initially on southwest to southeast, then north and northeast on Friday when winds are forecast to change to strong southwesterlies.
No recent reports
If you see any recent avalanche occurrences or have any relevant snowpack information or photos, you can share them via the Public Observations link on the NZAA home page.
Currently, the snowpack is still shallow, approximately 60- 70 cm below 1700m and 120cm at 2000m. Crevasses are still very open, and many rock features are still visible, particularly on west-facing aspects. Recent storm and wind transported snow from last week appears to have settled and bonded well in most areas around the region with no significant reports of instability. Although the pack appears consolidated, the Aspiring region is very large, and there is still limited data. Caution should still be taken, particularly in steeper, more extreme terrain where unknown weaknesses may exist.
Mt Aspiring National Park ForecastForecast for Thursday
Showers, turning to heavy rain for a time morning and afternoon. Snow lowering to 1000 metres. Squally thunderstorms possible from afternoon.
Wind at 1000 metres Northerly 60 km/h, rising to gale 80 km/h before dawn, easing to northwesterly 60 km/h early afternoon.
Wind at 2000 metres Gale northwesterly 70 km/h, rising to severe gale northerly 95 km/h for a time morning and early afternoon.
Wind at 3000 metres Gale northwesterly 75 km/h, rising to severe gale northerly 110 km/h for a time morning and early afternoon.
Freezing level 1700 metres, lowering to 1400 metres in the evening.
Issued: 1:04pm Wed 29 Jul
Mostly soft conditions; however, depending on your objective, an ice axe and crampons should always be considered.
Moderate
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
