Last day of good weather.
Surface softening will be minimal with wind increasing and the FAFL dropping.
High winds and slick surfaces will be the biggest hazard in steep terrain today.
Pockets of windslab may start to form around terrain features in the High Alpine.
Unlikely to be significant accumulation with minimal snow available for transport and very high winds.
Avoid any obvious new loading or hollow feeling snow.
No recent activity has been reported.
A generally consolidated snowpack within the region.
Variety of surface conditions exist - Melt Freeze Crust on sunny slopes except for low angle areas. On shady slopes the snow surface is effected by the recent wind but staying cold.
Some Surface Hoar has been observed in sheltered areas but is unlikely to survive the increasing winds.
NW winds increasing to Gale force in the afternoon. High cloud developing and the FAFL dropping to 1300.
There is a slick layer in areas exposed to the wind and under thin layers of snow.
This will get worse today with the wind scouring. Ice axe and crampons are key for moving into steep/extreme terrain.
Expect to encounter it near ridge top and turn around early if so.
High
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
