Fine weather and a high freezing level may increase the danger of loose, wet avalanches on sunny aspects during the hottest part of Saturday.
With a forecast sunny day and the freezing level at 2200m, loose wet avalanches may occur on sunny aspects during the hottest part of the day. Become increasingly conservative if the snow becomes saturated and unsupportive. Consider what is above you. This danger will decrease as the freezing level lowers during the day.
No new avalanche activity was seen from the air on the afternoon of the 12th. Please provide any snowpack or avalanche observations (like Russel and Michael have) using the link below.
Warmer temperatures have resulted in a well-settled snowpack, and the last storm snow will have settled and bonded well. Recent wind slab danger above 2000m will have been resolved on Friday with the high freezing level. The snow on sunny aspects will be sensitive to sun and warm temperatures.
A fine morning and early afternoon , with the possibility of the odd shower late in the day. Light winds, with southerly winds becoming moderate in the afternoon. Freezing level lowering from 2200m to 1400m late in the day.
After very warm temperatures on Friday and an overnight freeze the snow will be hard on Saturday morning. Ice axe and crampons will need to be carried for mountain travel.
High
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
