Moderate to strong South West winds are forecast.
There is plenty of snow available for transport.
Fresh Wind Slab may form on Sunday.
Pockets of Wind Slab may exist especially, on slopes facing North through to South East above about 1700m. Stay clear of ridge line entry points and other steep, unsupported terrain if you encounter stiff, wind driven snow. If in doubt, choose moderate angled wide open slopes.
No back country avalanches reported over the past 24 hours. Control work at Treble Cone on Friday and Saturday produced multiple Wind Slab avalanches (predominantly size 1) on East facing terrain.
If you see evidence of avalanches in the back country please enter a Public Observation.
A significant amount of snow fell (35cm) during the last storm 29th/30th. This snowfall has been redistributed 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 on slopes facing East to South. You would be wise to do some investigation before committing to steep, shady terrain.
Sunday - cloud increasing with isolated showers possible. Snow down to 1200m. Moderate to strong South West winds. Freezing level - 1500m.
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
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
