Backcountry travel in gale force winds isn't much fun.
Becoming very cold over the next few days.
Gale Westerly winds in the weather forecast will redistribute 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.
Multiple Wind Slabs triggered with explosives today during control work at Porters and Mt Olympus. 31/07.
Several small Wind Slabs reported from control work at Porters, Broken River and Craigieburn Valley, 01/08
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.
Monday: Partly cloudy with a few showers, mainly about the Divide. Snow lowering to 1000m at night. Sever gale Westerly winds easing in the afternoon. Freezing level 2000m lowering to 1300m during the day.
Tuesday: Fine, but becoming partly cloudy with isolated showers in the morning. Moderate to strong Southerly winds. Freezing level 500m.
Wind stripped areas and exposed ridges will be very firm. Ice axe and Crampons are recommended if venturing out.
Low
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
