West to South West gales are likely to transport snow and create fresh Wind Slab on Monday.
Remain on the lookout for deposits of stiff, wind driven snow and stay clear of them.
Pockets of Wind Slab may exist especially, on slopes facing North through to South East above about 1700m. Avoid ridge line entry points, convex rolls and other steep terrain if you encounter stiff slab. If unsure, choose moderate angled wide open slopes.
Several back country Wind Slab avalanches have been reported over the weekend. These slides have occurred on East facing slopes. Control work at Treble Cone over the past few days has produced multiple Wind Slab avalanches (predominantly size 1 but a few size 2) on East facing terrain.
If you see evidence of avalanches in the back country please enter a Public Observation.
A significant amount of snow fell (35cm) during the last storm 29th/30th. This snowfall has been redistributed by gale force winds from the Westerly half. Prior to the storm which arrived on Thursday 30/7 the snow pack was mostly stable. Having said that, facets and depth hoar (weak, sugary forms) have been found in places. These pockets of questionable strength appear to be reasonably isolated and are most likely to exist on slopes facing East to South. You would be wise to do some investigation before committing to steep, shady terrain.
Monday - scattered showers falling as snow down to 1200m. Showers becoming isolated. Westerly gales turning South West in the afternoon. Freezing level - 1500m dropping to 1000m in the evening.
Recent snow will have reduced the sliding danger. However, keep in mind that the underlying pack remains shallow especially, at lower elevations. Rocks and icy areas may be lurking below a thin cover of fresh snow.
Moderate
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
