Wanaka

Take advantage of the last day of fine weather before a North West storm rolls in.

Rising North West winds may begin to transport snow.

Identify any pockets of stiff Wind Slab and avoid them.

Some small (size 1) wet slides have been reported over the past couple of days.

If you see evidence of avalanches in the back country please enter a Public Observation.

Expect to encounter variable surface conditions at present (pockets of cold dry snow, hard packed snow and crusts). A small quantity of fresh snow August 15/16th. Snow at upper elevations 12/8 (15 - 25cm) in the West and less further East. Rain to about 1850m on the 12/8. Facets (weak, sugary forms) have been found in places. These pockets of questionable strength appear to be isolated and are most likely to exist on slopes facing East to South. You would be wise to do some investigation before committing to steep, shady terrain. Melt/freeze crusts are now forming regularly especially, on North Facing slopes.

Friday - fine AM with some cloud PM. North West winds rising to gale force in the afternoon. Freezing level - 2000m dropping to 1300m in the morning.

Icy crusts have been widespread below about 1850m. These slick crusts may now be covered by a thin layer of fresh snow. The underlying pack remains shallow especially, at lower elevations. Rocks and icy areas may be lurking below a thin cover of snow. Carrying ski crampons and/or an ice axe and crampons is recommended.

Moderate

• The snowpack structure is well understood.
• We are uncertain about how the timing or intensity of solar radiation will affect the snowpack.