Gale Westerly winds on Friday may continue to transport snow and create Wind Slab particularly, on East facing slopes.
If you venture out tomorrow, you would be wise to adopt a cautious, investigative approach.
Deposits of Wind Slab may be found especially, on slopes facing North East through to South above about 1700m. Avoid ridge line entry points, convex rolls and other steep terrain if you encounter stiff, wind driven snow. If you are unsure, choose moderate angled, wide open slopes.
The freezing level is forecast to rise to 2300m overnight Thursday. Loose Wet avalanches are a possibility on Friday especially, on North facing terrain during the middle of the day. Remain aware of the slopes above you and where you would end up if you were caught in a wet slide.
Control work at Treble Cone on 16/7 produced numerous size 1 Wind Slab avalanches on East facing slopes.
If you see evidence of avalanches in the back country please enter a public observation.
There has been a significant amount of rain/snow over the past few days. In general, recent snow appears to have bonded well. Having said that, limited back country snow pack information currently exists. Buried rime crusts and facets (weak, sugary forms) have been found in places. A conservative approach is advised until we can build a more complete picture of the situation.
Friday - a few showers in the West. Fine in the East. Westerly gales. Freezing level - 2300m dropping to 2000m.
Be prepared to encounter very firm or icy areas. These could exist on any aspects below about 1700m. Overall the snowpack remains shallow with many exposed rocks, open creeks and deep hollows.
Moderate
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
