Expect small, naturally triggered loose wet avalanches when the sun comes out on Monday.
Watch out for rollerballing or wet sticky snow as these are signs the snowpack is warming up and getting ready to move.
Monday will be the first properly sunny day since the last snowfall, and with 10cm of new snow sitting on a slick crust, small loose wet avalanches are very likely.
These avalanches will be small, but be wary of terrrain traps like cliffs, gullies, exposed rocks or other hazards where a small slide can have big consequences.
No avalanches were reported in the last 48 hours, but observations are limited from the north of the forecast area.
Around 10cm of new snow fell across the forecast area on Saturday night with light to moderate southeasterly winds. This new snow is sitting on a stout melt freeze crust at all elevations on sunny slopes and below around 2000m on shady slopes. Shady slopes above 2000m were holding windpressed powder in places, but any old wind slab on these slopes should be settled by now.
The lower pack will be well locked up below around 1700m. Above this there's a mix of buried melt freeze crusts on sunny slopes, windscoured crusts in exposed areas, and drifts of firm, windpressed snow. This has all been moistened with the warm temperatures earlier in the week and now that it's had a good freeze should be well settled.
Fine with severe morning frosts, then showers spreading north in the afternoon and evening.
Wind at 1000 metres: Southerly 30 km/h easing to light in the morning. Southwesterly 30 km/h developing in the evening.
Wind at 2000 metres: Light southerlies in the morning, rising to gale 65 km/h in the evening.
Freezing level: 700 metres, lifting to 1400 metres in the morning.
Beware of sliding falls! There will be slick surfaces just under the new snow. Take an ice axe and crampons for any travel above the snow line.
High
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
