Taranaki

Wind slabs exist at the higher elevations, mostly on north-facing aspects. Wind slabs are gaining strength as stability continues to improve. The weather remains settled over the next 24 hours with mostly fine conditions tomorrow, the 12th of July.

No natural or human-triggered avalanche activity has been observed or reported over the previous 24 hours.

The hard, icy old snow surface has been buried by wind-transported deposits around sheltering terrain features such as gullies and drainages. These deposits are likely to be hard slab in character. This is due to the gale winds during the past storm cycle. Exposed slopes, ridgelines, and some south-facing slopes have been stripped by previous gale winds. The snowline is just above the Manganui ski field T-bar at 1400 metres elevation. The estimated threshold is slightly higher at around 1500 metres. Snow cover threshold, enough snow to bury bed surface irregularities, and avalanches can run.

Today, Saturday, is fine apart from a few morning showers. Tomorrow, the 12th of July, will also be mostly fine. The winds will be light easterly, tending south-westerly later Sunday afternoon. The freezing level is about 1600 metres, rising to 1800 metres over the next 24 hours. High pressure has established itself across New Zealand today. The high slowly drifts eastward tomorrow, while a large trough approaches the country from the west.

Windward and exposed areas were stripped by gale winds during the past storm cycle a few days ago. This has exposed any pre-existing icy rime crusts on slopes above 1400 metres. Plenty of hazards, such as exposed rocks and cliff bands, remain. It's essential to carry the appropriate gear, crampons, and an ice axe. Taranaki requires a high degree of alpine skills. A targeted skill set will reduce the chance of an accident.

Moderate

• We are confident the likelihood of avalanches will increase with the forecast weather.
• We are uncertain due to a limited number of field observations.