New Southerly system rolling through bringing very cold temperatures.
Wrap up warm if heading out.
Gale Westerly winds will have redistributed any loose snow available onto Eastern aspects especially above 1500m. Once this calms down a Southerly wind change will swap the aspect of concern to Northern aspects. With such strong winds Slabs will form much lower down slope from the ridge. Watch for dense pockets of wind blown snow if in terrain above 35degrees, above 1600m.
Tuesday: Mostly cloudy. Occasional snow showers, clearing south of the Mackenzie Basin in the afternoon. Strong to gale Southerly winds. Freezing level around 400m.
Wednesday: Fine, apart from isolated snow showers before dawn. Southerly winds dying out before dawn. Freezing level 300m rising to 600m in the morning.
Wind stripped areas and exposed ridges will be very firm. Ice axe and Crampons are recommended if venturing out.
Low
Several small Wind Slabs reported from control work at Porters, Broken River and Craigieburn Valley, 01/08
Small Sz1 skier triggered Wind Slab, Tarn Chutes, 02/08.
Snow coverage across the forecast area is super variable. Up to 150cm in some areas down to rime covered rocks. With many snow safety practitioners digging all over their areas and guides doing the same, this winters snowpack is becoming quite complicated. Above 1800m a thick rain crust is found closer to the ground with crystal growth observed both above and below. Although not reactive to skier traffic right now the lower snowpack require monitoring over the next few weeks.
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
