24 hours of settlement will have helped the wind slab hazard, but expect isolated pockets to still exist. With increasing freezing levels, the loose wet hazard will increase during the day on sunny aspects. Choose route carefully to allow for the changing conditions during the day with possible rain.
24 hours of settlement will have helped the wind slab hazard, but expect isolated pockets to still exist. Winds have had different speeds in different parts of the forecast area, creating variable conditions. Caution on steeper, unsurported areas.
As the sun comes out tomorrow, the loose wet hazard will increase during the day. Possible rain later in the day will also add another layer of decision-making to the loose wet avalanche hazard
Size 1 wind slab triggered 1 Aug. See public observation.
1 Aug, Loose wet to size 1 observed in the Arrowsmiths further to the south.
If you see anything, please report it in the public observations section of the NZAA website.
Snow 31 July to 1500m with bigger totals to the west of the divide ( 70+mm of rain in the last 48hrs in Arthurs pass) , tapering to the east. Gale westerly winds have been associated with the new snow; the further you are east, the stronger the winds, so expect some deep pockets while other areas are stripped back to firm surfaces. There have been a couple of storm cycles this season, bringing a base at higher elevations but associated with strong winds, leaving a pressed snowpack with no significant layers of concern. Limited snow cover below 1700m before the last storm. At lower elevations (below 2000m) ice crusts exist but bonding to the ice layers has been good.
Fine, but becoming cloudy with isolated showers in the afternoon, falling as snow to 1300 metres. Winds Southwesterly 35 km/h, rising to westerly 55 km/h in the afternoon. Freezing level 800 metres, lifting to 1500 metres in the morning.
Conditions have changed today; expect areas to be stripped back to hard surfaces from the gale winds. Crampons and an ice axe are a good idea, as many firmer areas now exist.
Moderate
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
