Fiordland

Friday's rainfall and snowfall was less than expected but over Saturday expect widespread snow down to about 1500m and rain below that.

Expect windslab to start developing overnight on Friday, with avalanche activity possible on Saturday above about 1500m on the steep ridgeline slopes lee to the strong westerly winds.

Saturday is a big change from the last week.

Wed 13 Aug - A series of avalanching (unsure of type) off Mt Talbot observed in the afternoon.

Tuesday 12 Aug - Loose wet activity observed on all sunny aspects throughout the Darran Mountains

Sun 9th Aug- Some wet loose activity reported during rain in the Gertrude Valley area.

Fri 21st Aug- Snow is starting to fall above about 1500m as a storm approaches.

Post the 17th- Clear and calm with snow settling and strengthening.

Summary for week 12th-17th August

Over the 12-13th Aug around 45mm fell as snow (25cm) down to around 2000m with rain below that. The second half of the week had a sustained southerly flow with a low FAFL, down to 700m, with no precip. The FAFL is slowly rising now.

The snowpack is expected to be wet and refrozen below 1900/2000m. Above this the mid-pack may have layers, but the upper pack may be wet and refrozen. There may be a dry layered snowpack on the highest peaks, especially on the southerly half.

Fri 7th to Sun 9th. Up to 25cm fell above about 1700m in northern Fiordland. Expect some slab development in the steep ground near ridgetops. Below about 1700m expect a lattice of rain crusts or even rain-soaked snow at the very low elevations.

A front is approaching from the west. Snowfall and rainfall are expected to increase overnight and into Saturday.

A refreeze of the wet snowpack has taken place, to high elevations, on all aspects. Take an axe and crampons if you're exploring.

Moderate

• We are uncertain due to a limited number of field observations.
• We are uncertain due to variable freezing levels.