Expect very icy surface conditions, possibly as high as 2200m. There was rain to as high as 2000m last week.
Watch for any small pockets of wind slab which may remain, at higher elevations.
Small pockets of wind slab may remain at the highest elevations. This is most likely on the steep ground near the ridgetops or in steep gullies. Loose dry activity may also be an issue in very steep terrain holding new or dry snow.
Wed 13 Aug - A series of avalanching (unsure of type) off Mt Talbot observed in the afternoon.
Tuesday 12 Aug - Loose wet activity observed on all sunny aspects throughout the Darran Mountains
Sun 9th Aug- Some wet loose activity reported during rain in the Gertrude Valley area.
Summary for week 12th-17th August
Over the 12-13th Aug around 45mm fell as snow (25cm) down to around 2000m with rain below that. The second half had a sustained southerly flow with a low FAFL, down to 700m, with no precip. The FAFL is slowly rising now.
The snowpack is expected to be wet and refrozen below 1900/2000m. Above this the mid-pack may have layers, but the upper pack may be wet and refrozen. There may be a dry layered snowpack on the highest peaks, especially on the southerly half.
Fri 7th to Sun 9th. Up to 25cm fell above about 1700m in northern Fiordland. Expect some slab development in the steep ground near ridgetops. Below about 1700m expect a lattice of rain crusts or even rain-soaked snow at the very low elevations.
Expect calm clear weather for Tuesday.
A refreeze of the wet snowpack has taken place, to high elevations, on all aspects. Take an axe and crampons if you're exploring.
Moderate
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
