A small front moves over the region on Friday, with 5- 10 cm of new snow forecast by late Friday afternoon, possibly more close to the divide.
Small wind slabs may increase in size and likelihood by Friday afternoon.
5-10 cm of new snow is forecast by late Friday afternoon, possibly more on the divide. Combined with strong northerly winds in the forecast, we may start to see small, isolated areas of wind slab developing that may be reactive during the storm.
Most likely on south aspects above around 1700m.
Nothing recent reported.
If you see any recent avalanche occurrences or have any relevant snowpack information or photos, you can share them via the Public Observations link on the NZAA home page.
1st - 4th of August, very strong winds from the west and south have significantly stripped any exposed faces and features; other downwind areas in the lee have been left with multiple layers of very hard slab that appear unreactive and locked up. Very large cornices have also formed above 1800m.
The snowpack is still relatively shallow for the time of year. Approximately 60- 70 cm below 1700m and 120cm at 2000m. Crevasses are still very open, and many rock features are still visible, particularly on west-facing aspects.
Although the lower pack also appears consolidated and unreactive, the Aspiring region is very large, and there is still limited data. Caution should still be taken, particularly in steeper, more extreme terrain where unknown weaknesses may exist.
Mt Aspiring National Park
Forecast for Friday
Periods of rain, possibly heavy from afternoon, with snow above 1100 metres.
Wind at 1000 metres Northeasterly 30 km/h, rising to gale 65 km/h for a time in the morning.
Wind at 2000 metres Northerly 45 km/h, rising to gale 70 km/h for a time in the morning.
Wind at 3000 metres Northerly 45 km/h, rising to gale 65 km/h for a time in the morning.
Freezing level 1200 metres, lifting to 1600 metres in the morning.
Issued: 12:16pm Thu 6 Aug
Exposed areas such as ridgelines on west and south aspects may have been stripped back to old ice layers by recent strong winds. Depending on your objective, an ice axe and crampons could be necessary.
Moderate
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
