Gale force winds from the West through to the South over the past few days have transport snow.
Pockets of Wind Slab may be encountered particularly, on East facing slopes.
Adopt a cautious approach especially, if entering steep complex terrain.
Pockets of Wind Slab may exist especially, on slopes facing North through to South East above about 1700m. Gale winds may have resulted in loading mid slope. Avoid ridge line entry points, convex rolls and other steep unsupported terrain if you find stiff, wind driven snow.
Loose Wet avalanche activity cannot be ruled out particularly, on North facing slopes in the middle of the day.
Several back country Wind Slab avalanches were 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.
Wednesday - fine with Southerly gales easing. Freezing level - 1400m.
Recent gales have stripped many West facing areas and ridge lines back to icy crusts. Also, 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. Consider carrying ski crampons and or an ice axe and crampons.
Moderate
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
