Surface conditions are currently slick and dangerous. Recent rain will have a limited impact on this rime crust. Unsettled weather continues to affect the region over the next 24 hours. Visibility may be poor at times with showers developing and becoming heavy in the afternoon.
Loose wet avalanche activity remains a possibility. Rain showers over the next 24 hours will affect the surface structure. Rain below 2300 metres is possible, reducing surface structure, and sunny periods are also possible in the morning. Forecasted precipitation is not significant, and deep saturation is unlikely to occur. Triggering will be possible at isolated steeper start zones that lack support.
Wind slabs may form at higher elevations, primarily on south-facing slopes. Eastern slopes may also have deposits transported by the wind. Although warmer temperatures can promote bonding, there is still a risk of triggering avalanches on steeper slopes. Terrain features such as gullies and rocky outcrops can serve as catchment areas where loading is more likely to occur.
No human or naturally triggered avalanches have been reported or observed over the past 24 hours.
Southern aspects, on southern slopes, a strong and potentially hazardous rime crust is the primary feature of the snowpack. This crust is resistant to saturation by rainwater and may take time to break down. Older, wind-driven snow deposits have been gaining strength but are now becoming wet. The current snowline is at approximately 1400 metres, with an estimated threshold slightly higher at around 1500 metres. This threshold indicates the minimum snow cover needed to cover surface irregularities, which can lead to avalanches.
Wednesday, the 15th of July, will be cloudy with a few showers, mainly from the afternoon when they may be heavy. Snowfall possible above 2000 metres elevation. The winds are moderate north-westerly. The freezing level is 2200 metres elevation rising to 2400 metres over the next 24 hours. A broad trough moves across the North Island today and is followed by a disturbed northwest flow. A front moves onto the southwest of the South Island during the second half of the day, then over central New Zealand tomorrow.
Rime crust on southern aspects is slick, hard, and unforgiving. These types of conditions demand a high level of skill and competency. The consequences of a fall and slide will be severe. Plenty of hazards, such as exposed rocks and cliff bands, exist. It is essential to carry the appropriate gear, crampons, and an ice axe. Taranaki has a high exposure to weather features from multiple directions. Snowpack and surface conditions reflect this in a unique and volatile way. Rime events, rain events are frequent. The rime ice can be robust and impenetrable; even an experienced climber will find the conditions challenging. Read surface conditions and make decisions early; avoid complacency.
Low
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
