Taranaki

Wind slab development at the higher elevation is likely. New snow will be transported by wind to mostly south-facing slopes. A storm system will impact the region starting Friday, the 24th of July. Driving snow and low visibility will make managing a developing avalanche hazard difficult. Recommend delaying any alpine travel until conditions improve. Expect an increasing hazard as the storm develops.

Low

• We are uncertain due to a limited number of field observations.
• We are uncertain about forecast precipitation amounts.

No human-triggered or naturally triggered avalanches have been reported or observed over the past 24 hours.

Very little precipitation has fallen over the past 24 hours, affecting the snowpack. Snowpack stability remains good with no significant weaknesses at present. The main characteristic of the current snowpack remains the presence of impenetrable rime formations. These surface deposits are dangerous and unforgiving, particularly on the south and west-facing slopes. The rime formations are resistant to saturation by rain. Once buried by new snow, this irregular, rough surface will benefit the bonding process. The current snowline is approximately 1600 metres. The estimated threshold is slightly higher at around 1700 metres. This is most likely to change over the next few days.

Tomorrow, Friday the 24th of July, expect showers, turning to rain in the morning, heavy at times. Snow to 1800 metres until evening. Winds will be strong to gale northerlies. The freezing level is about 2100 metres, lowering to 1600 metres at night. A ridge of high pressure lies over the North Island today, Thursday the 23rd, while a front moves up the South Island. Tomorrow, the front makes its way over the North Island while a series of active fronts move across the South Island.

At this time, the rime crust on southern slopes is slick, hard, and dangerous. Fingers of rime can fail when impacted by rapid temperature change. This type of ice fall can be random and dangerous. These conditions require a high level of skill and competence. The consequences of a fall and slide can be severe, as there are many hazards, such as exposed rocks and cliff bands. Recommend carrying the appropriate gear, including boots that support and fit crampons and an ice axe. Mount Taranaki is highly exposed to weather patterns coming from multiple directions, which significantly affects the snowpack and surface conditions in a unique and volatile manner. Rime and rain events are frequent, and the rime ice can be robust and impenetrable; even experienced climbers may struggle with these conditions.