A burst of rain on 15/07 will now be a very hard, frozen surface. Sunny aspects will soften in the middle of the day.
Crampons will be mandatory if you want to go for a walk.
An increase in temperatures means Loose Wet slides may occur in isolated, steep solar slopes at mid to lower elevations where enough snow exists, especially in the heat of the day. Low does not mean 'No'.
Small Loose Wet observed at Porters15/07.
Around 75-90cm at the South of the range tapering to about 40-50cm to the North. Coverage is patchy with significant pockets of wind deposited snow with very thin patches where the early wind had stripped things back to ground. Around 25mm of rain fell on the range overnight on the 15/07. Expect a very frozen surface after overnight frosts.
Friday: Fine, with severe frosts in the morning, then a few evening showers about the Divide. Strong West to Southwest winds. Freezing level around 2500m.
Saturday: Showers about the Divide, otherwise fine with morning frosts. Gale Westerly winds. Freezing level Around 2300m.
Ice axe and Crampons will be mandatory if venturing out.
High
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
