Yesterdays new snow is now bonding well.
Areas of loading above cliffs/terrain traps should still be avoided.
The wind slab hazard may increase with forecasted wind transporting the recent storm snow.
Yesterdays windslab is now stubborn to trigger. However, areas of loading with no support - slopes above cliffs - should still be avoided.
The windslab hazard may increase today with SW wind transporting the recent storm snow into lee slopes. Rapid transport and a stiffening snow surface are signs that the instability is increasing.
Retreat to lower angle/simple terrain if this is the case.
Multiple wind slabs triggered around the region with explosives yesterday morning.
Of note was an accidental size 1.5 triggered on an E slope in steep terrain at The Remarkables. See the attached image - apologies for the poor quality.
A dusting of new snow overnight. Falling over yesterdays storm snow of 20-30cm.
The new snow is now bonding well to the old surface. Loading exists up to 150cm around terrain features with small cornices observed at ridgetop.
Minor surface softening will see a thin crust on sunny slopes at low elevations.
Exposed slopes will be stripped to a slick old surface. The snowpack is still thin and hidden hazards are widespread.
Cloudy periods with increasing SW winds. FAFL 1500m.
Slopes exposed to the wind will be stripped back to a slick old surface. These should be easily avoided.
Moderate
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
