Fiordland

In northern Fiordland Saturday had up to about 40cm from the west down to 1800m. Sunday had about 35cm from the west down to 1800m, and Monday has up to about 25cm forecast from the west, down to about 1700m.

Down to 1800m expect windslabs with human triggered avalanche activity likely at ridgeline on the steep leeward slopes sheltered from the wind.

Below 1800m and down to about 1500m there has been less snow and more rain, expect windslab near the ridgelines on the steep leeward slopes with possible human triggered activity.

Stay out of the avalanche terrain on Monday

Sat 23rd Aug- there are no observers in the terrain but at least some activity will have happened.

Wed 13 Aug - A series of avalanching (unsure of type) off Mt Talbot observed in the afternoon.

Tuesday 12 Aug - Loose wet activity observed on all sunny aspects throughout the Darran Mountains

Sun 9th Aug- Some wet loose activity reported during rain in the Gertrude Valley area.

Sun 23rd Aug- Up to about 35 cm fell above 1750m in northern Fiordland, with a skiff below this level.

Sat 22nd Aug- up to about 25 cm fell above about 1750m in northern Fiordland over the last day.

Fri 21st Aug- Snow is starting to fall above about 1500m as a storm approaches.

Post the 17th- Clear and calm with snow settling and strengthening.

Summary for week 12th-17th August

Over the 12-13th Aug around 45mm fell as snow (25cm) down to around 2000m with rain below that. The second half of the week had a sustained southerly flow with a low FAFL, down to 700m, with no precip. The FAFL is slowly rising now.

The snowpack is expected to be wet and refrozen below 1900/2000m. Above this the mid-pack may have layers, but the upper pack may be wet and refrozen. There may be a dry layered snowpack on the highest peaks, especially on the southerly half.

Fri 7th to Sun 9th. Up to 25cm fell above about 1700m in northern Fiordland. Expect some slab development in the steep ground near ridgetops. Below about 1700m expect a lattice of rain crusts or even rain-soaked snow at the very low elevations.

Monday brings more snow to the area.

A refreeze of the wet snowpack took place, to about 1800m, on all aspects. The new snow may settle on the leeward aspects but expect anything. Take an axe and crampons if you're exploring when this storm clears.

Moderate

• We are uncertain due to a limited number of field observations.
• We are uncertain due to variable freezing levels.