Take advantage of the fine weather and use a cautious investigative approach before making any big, bold plans.
Be aware that very slick conditions currently exist below around 1650m.
Treat areas of fresh wind-loaded snow with caution.
On east aspects more likely above 2000m in steeper isolated areas, recent wind slabs may still be reactive.
Be aware of the runout consequences, as even a small slide can have bad results.
On the 16th of July, a look around the South Richardsons and Tyndall glacier area in the central part of the region revealed 1 Large avalanche ran off the Tyndall glacier on a SE aspect at 2400m. There was very little other significant activity observed in these areas. There have been no observations at the head of the West Matukituki or further north, where similar results could be expected from last week's storm.
If you see any recent avalanche occurrences or have any relevant snowpack information or photos, you can share them via the Public Observations link on the NZAA home page.
Gale westerly winds on Friday and Saturday continued to strip snow from west-facing aspects above around 1900m. Some isolated features may have received new loading as a result.
Between the 13th and 15th of July 60-70cm of new snow fell. This tapered off to rain between 1500-1700m as temperatures fluctuated. Gale northwesterly winds during this storm redistributed much of the new snow, leaving many west aspects stripped back to old ice layers and other lee areas with loading in excess of 100cm. Below this recent storm snow was a very shallow early-season snowpack of approximately 30-50 cm.
In some isolated areas on mostly south-facing aspects above around 1900m, weak faceted forms may be starting to develop and should be monitored with future loading.
Mt Aspiring National Park
Forecast for Sunday
Fine apart from rain before dawn.
Wind at 1000 metres Southwesterly 30 km/h, dying out in the evening.
Wind at 2000 metres Southwesterly 60 km/h, dying out in the morning.
Wind at 3000 metres Southwesterly 60 km/h, easing to 30 km/h in the morning.
Freezing level 1800 metres.
Issued: 7:40pm Sat 18 Jul
West-facing aspects may be stripped back to firm ice at all elevations. Below 1650m where rain-soaked snow has frozen, conditions are very slick.
Moderate
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
