Winds are picking up as the next frontal system approaches.
Expect fresh windslab to build on southerly aspects and terrain features.
The avalanche danger will rise to considerable on the Divide at higher elevations and moderate elsewhere.
Expect to see developing windslab as northerly winds increase over Tuesday. Snow pluming off ridge lines is a sure sign and direction to the building of windslab. If snow starts to feel stiff or drummy sounding then it might pay to alter plans. Avoid those unsupported terrain features.
If the August sun comes out in full force then expect a round of Loose wet avalanching. Maintain awareness of what might be above you and always have the flexibility to change plans.
Mild temperatures post snowfall will be promoting settlement of storm snow. Watch for unsupported terrain features and take a look at the structure and strength of the recent snow before committing to a line.
Multiple loose wet avalanches were seen up to size 1.5 over Monday afternoon as the day heated up. Scattered slab avalanches up to size 2 were observed on the Main Divide Monday morning after Sundays snowfall.
Up to 50cm of snow fell in the north and west of the region over the weekend, tapering to the south and east. Snow fell as low as 700m early Sunday but rose to around 1500m. Winds were variable. This new snow will have fallen on a variety of surfaces from melt-freeze crusts, old wind slab or wind stripped layers. In limited observations made in the Burnett Range on Monday the new snow appears to have bonded to the older snow surface, however the sample size remains small. Heat entered the snowpack over Monday, so many slopes below around 1700m will have some from of melt freeze crust.
Storm slab risks are settling out, but care should be taken on steeper unsupported slopes and features. Windslab risks will be developing over Tuesday as northerly winds increase.
Forecast
Mainly fine, some morning and evening cloud.
Wind at 1000 metres
Northeasterly 40 km/h, rising to gale 65 km/h in the evening.
Wind at 2000 metres
Light. Northerly 30 km/h developing in the morning, rising to 50 km/h in the afternoon and then to gale 70 km/h in the evening.
Wind at 3000 metres
Light, northerly 30 km/h developing in the morning, rising to 50 km/h in the afternoon and then to gale 70 km/h in the evening.
Freezing level
1500 metres.
Issued: 12:20pm Mon 10 Aug
Sliding hazard still needs consideration. Some slopes will have a melt freeze crust.
Moderate
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
