Some light snow up high! Hopefully soft turns to be had at all elevation bands.
Wind Slabs will be possible to trigger on Monday. These will be isolated to upper elevation terrain near ridge top. Any new snow is likely to form these slabs with depths between 10-20cm expected.
Loose Wet avalanches will be possible at mid elevations, especially as rain falls on snow. Look for roller balling or a total loss of cohesion at the surface as key signs hazard is on the up!
Significant warming and softening of surfaces occurred in most terrain Sunday afternoon. Wind deposits exist from Saturday nights snow in sheltered terrain across the Easterly 1/2. In places, these are up to 30cm deep. Elsewhere, the rain crust from July 15th will still be exposed. Underneath the rain crust, there is no significant layering of note, with the snowpack well consolidated through to ground.
Monday: light snowfall throughout the morning, SW 1/4 winds. FAFL 1300m.
There will not be significant sliding danger in the Hutt Range on Monday unless the FAFL drops as forecast. Crampons and an axe might be a good idea if surfaces lock up.
Moderate
None reported in the past 48 hours.
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
