Severe gale wind will continue to add to windslabs above about 2000m on Wednesday.
Wet loose avalanches are possible at lower elevations.
There is a high uncertainty about the amount of precipitation and the freezing levels for Wednesday. It is best to take a cautious approach until the storm is over.
Gale north-west winds will build windslabs on south, south east and east facing terrain.
With a 2000m freezing level forecast for Wednesday, this problem is confined to the highest terrain in the region.
Take care to identify and avoid recent windloaded terrain.
Rain is expected below about 2000m throughout the range on Wednesday.
This could bring on a loose wet avalanche cycle, particularly slopes around 1800m to 2000m in the south of the range where this may be the first rapid warming the snow pack has experienced.
Watch for signs of rollerballing. Consider what is above you and where you would end up if caught.
Multiple small loose wet avalanches were reported in steep terrain in the Camp Stream and Coal river catchments on Saturday and Sunday. 1800m -2000m NW facing slope.
Current avalanche observations are limited due to the storm.
If you see any activity on the Two Thumb Range, please make a public observation. It really helps us to produce accurate forecasts.
Severe gale NW winds have stripped snow from windward slopes and deposited it onto south, southeast and east facing terrain. Below about 1800-2000m the snowpack has become moist
The north of the range continues to receive new snow above about 1800m, with lower snow fall mid range and nothing at the southern end.
Below about 1800m, the precipitation fell as rain.
Snow depths in the south are about 70cm, tapering to about about 50cm mid range and 40cm in the north.
The snowpack north of Stag Saddle is not well understood, with no direct observations.
Showers, turning to rain in the morning, easing in the evening. Snow above 1600 metres.
Wind at 1000 metres
Northwesterly 35 km/h, rising to gale 65 km/h for a time in the afternoon, then rising to westerly gale 65 km/h at night.
Wind at 2000 metres
Northwesterly gale 75 km/h, easing to westerly 45 km/h in the morning, then rising to gale 75 km/h at night.
Freezing level
2000 metres.
The wind has stripped the soft snow back to exposed crusts. Sliding danger will be patchy with lots of rocks in the runouts. Take extra care.
Low
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
