Fresh snow and strong NW winds are forecast for Thursday and Friday.
Expect increasing avalanche danger as fresh wind slabs develop and rain-on-snow weakens the existing snowpack.
Choose conservative terrain, avoid steep wind-loaded slopes and areas affected by rain, and reassess conditions carefully as the storm progresses.
Wind slab danger is increasing on NE through SW aspects above 1500m as strong NW winds transport fresh snow from Thursday into Friday. The winds will shift to Southerly from Friday evening.
Around 30 cm of new snow is expected, and strong winds will likely redistribute it into lee terrain, forming fresh wind slabs.
Be cautious around ridgelines, gullies, and other wind-loaded features where these slabs are most likely to develop.
27 July - Two loose wet avalanches were observed on north-facing slopes.26 July - Several size 1 wind slabs were observed or triggered by ohau ski patrol team below ridge crest on E to SE aspects.
Approximately 15–20 cm of new snow fell between 23–24 July, accompanied by strong northwesterly winds that later shifted southwest. Since the storm, consecutive cold, clear nights have promoted near-surface faceting, preserving dry, and low-density snow.
Strong northwesterly and southwesterly winds formed wind slabs on East to South aspects during the storm cycle. These slabs have continued to stabilise and have shown little to no reactivity in recent stability assessments.
Periods of rain, heavy at times about the Divide until evening. Snow to 800 metres, lowering to 400 metres in the afternoon.
wind at top
Northwesterly 50 km/h changing southerly 40 km/h early evening.
freezing level
1100 lowering to 700 metres evening.
Firm snow conditions are present on west-facing slopes near ridgelines and at lower elevations where a rain crust exists. 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)
