A fine few days to get amongst the backcountry! There has been some recent activity in the region so take note of that before heading out.
Wind Slabs will still be possible to trigger. The recent snow will be wind-affected and is in 20-30 cm-deep drifts across the NE 1/2. Avoid obviously wind-loaded entries where possible and look for sheltered slopes at lower elevations for quality skiing.
Loose Wet avalanches will be possible on Tuesday afternoon. Be cautious of increasing freezing levels and avoid solar and rocky terrain when possible. There is certainly some uncertainty around how quickly the FAFL will rise.
Sliding hazard is very aspect-dependent. Exposed terrain still has the rain crust on the surface. Assess the surface before ending up on slope, a set of crampons and an axe may come in handy.
High
Mt Hutt Patrol ski cut and explosive triggered numerous Size 1.5 Wind Slabs on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning. These were most reactive across any terrain with an Easterly component and in steep, unsupported terrain above 1500m.
Recent Sou'Westerly snowfall has left up to 30cm of dense, wind-blown snow across most sheltered terrain on North East aspects. Our problematic rain crust remains at the surface in very exposed places. There is an even 20cm across most lower-angle terrain, which has bonded well to the old surface. Underneath the rain crust, there is no significant layering of note, with the only storm of this year well consolidated through to ground.
Monday: Fine, light SW 1/4 winds. FAFL up to 1700m.
Tuesday: Fine, light SW 1/4 winds, FAFL up to 2500m.
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
