New snow on the range. This fell with strong Southeast winds so this means Wind Slabs are the hazard to watch.
Assess steep slopes appropriately..
With such strong South to Southeast winds, expect Wind Slabs to form in steep, sheltered Northern aspects. These Wind Slabs will be mostly found above 1500m. These Wind Slabs may now sit below softer snow which fell after the wind dropped.
A increase in temperatures, or if the sun makes an appearance may mean Loose Wet slides may occur on steep slopes at lower elevations where enough snow exists.
Small Wind Slabs from explosives at Mt Hutt previous 24hrs..
It is looking like around 75-90cm at the South of the range tapering to about 40-50cm to the North. Initially the most of the snow came with strong Southeast winds which dropped during the storm. Temperatures rose before things cooled again 08/07. Coverage is patchy with significant pockets of wind deposited snow to very thin patches where the early wind had stripped things back to ground.
Friday: A few showers, falling as snow to 800m for a time in the morning, clearing from afternoon. Southerly winds easing during the day. Freezing level 800m rising to 1200m in the afternoon.
Saturday: Fine with light winds. Freezing level around 1400m.
Wind polished surfaces and icy areas will be very slippery. consider Ice axe and Crampons if venturing out.
Moderate
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
