The recent storm was less intense than forecast however a new storm is forecast for the 8th and snowfall is expected to increase in the afternoon.
If the storm arrives early or with higher than forecast rates of snowfall, the hazard will rise.
Reconsider plans to travel in the alpine as the weather deteriorates.
Expect windslab to be forming lee to the Northerly 1/2 with Mod to strong winds redistribute any new snow Caution on steep ridgeline entries, convex rolls and cross loaded features if you find stiff wind pressed snow.
Storm Slabs may form if forecast precipitation rates are higher than expected. Take care if accumulated snowfall exceeds 20 cm.Be cautious on mid slope rolls and and large unsupported terrain features
07/08 No activity reported - we expect a small natural cycle may have occurred on the main divide
06/08 Some LW avalanches to size 1 were noted running in very steep solar terrain and Large avalanche reported on East Face of Mount Thomson
05/08 Several Natural wind slabs up to size 2 were reported around the Tasman Neve on North West and South East aspects. We expect that these occurred sometime on the 4th during or just after the wind event.
The main divide may have received up to 15-20 cm of snow in the last 24 hours with moderate to strong winds from the north. To the east of the Malte Brun range very little snow is expected to have fallen and the snow pack there remains largely the same up to the 6th of August
As of the 6th of August Highly variable snow surface conditions exist across the park. Recent gale winds have stripped exposed ridge lines and pressed exposed slopes. On solar aspects a stout melt freeze crust exists with evidence of near surface faceting developing beneath. This faceting is also evident where windslab is thin. On the 6th August this Melt freeze crust began to break down and corn.
The lower pack is generally well settled.
Partly cloudy with isolated showers. Rain developing in the afternoon, possibly heavy, with snow above 1200 metres.
Wind at 1000 metres
Light. Southerly 50 km/h developing at night.
Wind at 2000 metres
Light. Easterly gale 65 km/h developing at night.
Wind at 3000 metres
Northwesterly 45 km/h, dying out in the morning. Easterly 40 km/h developing in the evening, rising to gale 65 km/h at night.
Freezing level
1900 metres, lowering to 1600 metres in the afternoon.
Ridgelines and exposed areas remain scoured back to slick crusts or rock in places. Crampons and an ice axe are a good idea for general travel at this time
Low
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
