The wind has been out to play. Moving both the new snow and the preceding surface layer over to eastern and northern aspects.
Caution is advised as this will have created a wind slab, with potentially an older buried one on these aspects.
Be aware of cross-loaded slopes as well, mid slope, as the last 2 storms have had a pronounced NW through to southerly wind shift.
Wind slab danger is probable or possible on south west through to northern slopes . Potentially CONSIDERABLE in the north and west of the forecast area, MODERATE further south.
Be cautious around ridgelines, gullies, cross-loaded terrain features, and other wind-loaded areas where reactive wind slabs are most likely to have formed.
As the sun comes out. As the freezing level also rises or there is a pronounced solar affect, there will be a period of Loose Wet avalanching out of steep terrain in the heat of the day.
A Large Natural avalanche ran to valley floor on the 32st or 1st (see photo). Not much else observed. Nothing reported in the last 72hrs.
Your observations from the back country are always appreciated via our Public Obs link
20 cm of new snow fell on Thursday and Friday, accompanied by severe NW gale-force winds. The strong winds stripped snow from west-facing slopes and exposed ridge crests. Then a clear, but sometimes windy period and 15-20cm overnight Sunday into Monday morning. Much of this blown away or relocated mid slope to West to northern slopes.
There are still some near to ground facets being observed, otherwise the previous to this storm snow pack appeared to have settled well. There was anywhere between 150cm and 50cm out there over the ground on Monday, less now with the continued winds.
Fine with morning frost, possibly severe in sheltered places. Moderate westerlies and a freezing level lifting from 1200 to 1800m.
Firm snow conditions are present on west-facing slopes near ridgelines where it has been wind blasted. These hard surfaces may present a sliding hazard, particularly on steep terrain and may be cunningly hidden under new snow.
Moderate
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
