Rain below 1800m has increased the danger of loose wet avalanches on all aspects until Sunday morning. Wind slab danger will continue to increase on eastern half aspects above 1800m as new snow is redistributed by strong to gale-force winds from the westerly quarter. This may become more widespread as the freezing level drops towards the start of the week.
Snow above 1800m is being redistributed by strong to severe gale winds from the westerly quarter. Wind slab will become increasingly likely in the high alpine and the danger will become considerable during Saturday evening as size and likelihood increase. This issue may become more widespread as the freezing level lowers.
With forecast rain below 1800m the snow will have become saturated. The danger of loose wet avalanches will increase to possible on all aspects below 1800m where sufficient snow exists. Care will be required if the snowpack becomes increasingly saturated and unsupportive during the day.
No new avalanche activity has been seen. Please provide any snowpack or avalanche observations using the link below. Thanks, Kaz, for the information about Robert Ridge! You can check out the observations using the link as well.
There is still intermittent snow cover below 1800m with very marginal cover on north and west-facing aspects. Cover above 1800m is consistent, particularly on south and east aspects. The last storm snow has settled and bonded well, with no significant weakness noted on observations below 1800m. Moderate temperatures have helped with this. There are few observations of the strength of the snowpack above 1800m so continue to be cautious at upper elevations. Rain will have saturated the snowpack below 1800m which will weaken it until the freezing level drops on Sunday
Snow above 1800m will be heavy at times. Heavy rain below 1800m will continue overnight on Saturday. Rain will turn to snow down to 800m on Sunday morning. 110km westerly winds will tend south-west and ease a little. The freezing level will drop from 2100m overnight on Saturday to 1200m on Sunday morning.
The snow is likely to remain soft and unfrozen overnight below 1800m but will refreeze as the freezing level lowers. An ice axe and crampons need to be carried for mountain travel.
Moderate
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
