Recent Gale South to South East winds will have created new windslab on the NW 1/2. Whilst older windslab lee to the NW will be healing caution should still be exercised.
Avoid entering avalanche terrain if you encounter stiff windslab.
The hazard is Considerable in the High Alpine as you get closer to the main divide
Recent gale South to South East winds will have created a windslab on the NW 1/2. Expect this to be more reactive than the older windslab on the SE 1/2
Avoid areas with recent wind loading. Be aware that this could happen on X-loaded features, mid-slope rolls as well as in the usual start zones near ridgeline.
4/8 No Recent avalanche activity observed past 48 hours
Gale South to South East winds have scoured exposed windward slopes and stripped areas back to rock. Previously An estimated 100cm of new snow hadfallen about the Divide, tapering to 60cm in the Liebigs, and 20-40cm in the eastern part of the forecast area above around 1500m on the 30th and 31st. This was redistributed by severe gale westerlies on Monday the 3rd Patches of rain crust are exposed below around 1700m.
The lower pack is generally well settled, and includes a mix of slick crusts in areas exposed to west and northwesterly winds, wind-pressed snow in deposition zones on east and south facing terrain near ridgeline, and loose, faceted powder in sheltered areas.
Fine.
Wind at 1000 metres
Southerlies 30 km/h, dying out before dawn.
Wind at 2000 metres
Southerlies gale 75 km/h, easing to 35 km/h by midday, dying out in the evening.
Wind at 3000 metres
Southerlies severe gale 100 km/h, easing to gale 70 km/h, dying out in the evening.
Freezing level
1100 metres, lifting to 1400 metres before dawn.
Ridgelines and exposed areas will be been scoured back to slick crusts or rock in places. Crampons and an ice axe are a good idea for general travel at this time
Moderate
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
