Cracker Monday/Tuesday. Get out and get amongst some of the best conditions Canterbury has had this year.
As always, assess new wind load and avoid obviously loaded features, especially at ridge top!
Wind Slabs will be possible to trigger at upper elevation bands across the NE 1/2. These will fail within new snow or recently transported snow and be up to 30cm deep. Obviously wind loaded terrain, blowing snow and recent avalanche activity are all indicators of heightened danger.
Loose Wet avalanche will be possible in steep, rocky terrain on the NW 1/4. These will only be a problem in the afternoon as sun and an increase in temperatures impact the recent cold snow.
Mt Hutt Patrol reported numerous explosive triggered Loose Dry's up to Size 1.5 during the storm cycle. These were in very steep terrain at around 1750m
They also explosive triggered a Size 2 Wind Slab at 1900m on a cross loaded terrain feature on a SE aspect.
25cm of snow has fallen across the past 24 hours. This new snow has been impacted by strong Southerly winds at upper elevation bands, especially during the past 12 hours. There are deposits up to 30cm deep in lee or cross loaded terrain features. Prior to this the snowpack resembled one you would see mid September or October with predominantly melt forms on the N 1/2 at all elevation bands.
Monday: Mostly fine. Moderate SW 1/4 winds. FAFL 1200m.
Tuesday: Mostly fine with afternoon cloud and light snowfall. Further moderate SW winds forecast. FAFL 1400m lowering to 1100m.
No sharps required! Surfaces will be soft and no sliding hazard exists.
Moderate
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
