Wanaka

Periods of heavy snowfall and shifting gale force winds (North West through to South West) are forecast.

Reactive Wind Slab and Storm Slab are likely to develop over the next 24 hours.

Be patient - wait for conditions to improve before heading into avalanche terrain.

Observations have been hampered over the past 48 hours by North West storm activity and long periods of poor visibility.

If you see evidence of avalanches in the back country please enter a Public Observation.

A significant amount of snow expected over the next 24 hours. This snowfall will be accompanied by gale force winds from the Westerly half. Prior to the storm which arrived on Thursday 30/7 the snow pack was mostly stable. Having said that, facets and depth hoar (weak, sugary forms) have been found in places. These pockets of questionable strength appear to be quite isolated and are most likely to exist in steep, shady areas (facing East to South). Loading over the next few days will test these areas of weakness.

Friday - rain turning to showers, possibly heavy. Snow to low levels (500m). North West gales rising to severe gale during the day. Winds are forecast to swing to the South West/South over the next 48 hours. Freezing level - 1300m dropping to 700m in the afternoon.

Recent snow will have reduced the sliding danger. However, keep in mind that the underlying pack remains shallow especially, at lower elevations. Rocks and icy areas may be lurking below a thin cover of fresh snow.

Moderate

• We are confident the likelihood of avalanches will increase with the forecast weather.
• We are uncertain due to a limited number of field observations.
• We are uncertain due to the variability of wind effect on the snowpack.