Northern aspects are softening at present. This is increasing the wet avalanche danger. Polar aspects have a highly variable snowpack. The avalanche danger is LOW. However, if you go looking around complex terrain your highly likely to find one.
The sun is slowly increasing in strength. Nth facing aspects are softening to the point you could be caught in an event (as happened yesterday). The steeper the terrain the more likely a loose wet avalanche will be initiated. Try and find a balance where you get softened snow without being pushed over a nasty drop.
Wind-slab conditions are mainly confined to start zones. Winds, gale strength from the southern half. At present, the slab is unreactive to ski cutting (this may change in the coming days). Be careful in and around complex terrain. Avalanches may be in the small range. However, an event could push over something large and rocky.
A skier triggered a loose wet avalanche in North facing terrain backcountry yesterday. Some great public observations have been published, keep up the good work team.
The snowpack had been blasted by extreme winds for several days. Cornice growth has been noted in several areas. Pockets of wind-slab have been investigated for strength, most areas returning a stubborn result. Exposed areas have been scoured back to hard ice in places. Some areas are devoid of snow, while other areas contain ribbons of pressed powder. The picture I'm trying to portray is one of a highly variable snowpack. Small avalanches are hiding in random places. Remember....Low (Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features), does not mean NO avalanches. Be cautious everywhere !
A classic mid-winter's day ahead. Sunny with little wind. The freezing level around 1500 m.
We have some concerns about a sliding danger. Areas of slick ice could be encountered in any area at any time. Snow that has been moist over the past 48 hrs has re-frozen. Adding ski/foot crampons and an ice axe would be a good idea.
High
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
