Taranaki

Wind slabs have formed at higher elevations, mostly on north-facing aspects. This avalanche problem will gain strength over time. Expect the stability to improve. The weather is also improving with mostly fine conditions tomorrow, the 11th of July.

No natural or human-triggered avalanche activity has been observed or reported over the previous 24 hours. Over the past few days, the weather and visibility have been poor. Limiting comprehensive observations.

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 due to the gale wind over the past few days. Exposed slopes, ridgelines, and south-facing areas are being stripped by the gale winds. Notable snowfall accumulation over the past few days has been limited to above 1400 metres elevation.

Today is partly cloudy with a few afternoon showers. Tomorrow, the 11th of July, will be mostly fine apart from a few morning showers with patchy hill fog. Winds will be moderate southeasterly, easing in the evening. The freezing level is about 1300 metres above sea level. A low-pressure system lies northeast of the country today, driving a cold southerly over the North Island. Meanwhile, a broad ridge of high pressure lies across the South Island. Tomorrow, the high over the South Island expands to cover the whole country.

There will be areas where gale winds have stripped over the past few days. This would have 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 due to a stable weather pattern.
• We are uncertain due to a limited number of field observations.