There is fresh snow available for transport. North/North East winds are forecast to rise to gale force during the day on Tuesday.
Watch for Wind Slab development and avoid such areas.
Rising North/North East winds may transport snow and create pockets of Wind Slab. These slabs are most likely to form on South facing slopes above about 1700m. Stay clear of ridge line entry points and other steep unsupported ground if you encounter stiff, wind driven snow.
The likelihood of Loose Wet avalanches will increase as the day warms up. This activity is most likely to occur on solar (North facing) terrain. If the surface is heating rapidly and losing cohesion it is time to move to a cooler aspect.
Loose Wet avalanche activity (size 1 and 2) at Treble Cone over the past 48 hours. A cycle of Loose Wet avalanches has occurred in the back country
If you see evidence of avalanches in the back country please enter a Public Observation.
Some fresh snow (20 - 30cm) 8th/9th August. The underlying pack is mostly well consolidated. Having said that, facets and depth hoar (weak, sugary forms) have been found in places. These pockets of questionable strength appear to be reasonably isolated and are most likely to exist on slopes facing East to South. You would be wise to do some investigation before committing to steep, shady terrain.
Tuesday - mainly fine with some morning and evening cloud. North/North East winds rising to gale/severe gale in the afternoon. Freezing level - 1600m.
Some fresh snow over the weekend will have reduced the sliding danger. However, keep in mind that the underlying pack remains shallow especially, at lower elevations. Rocks and icy areas may be lurking below a thin cover of fresh snow.
Moderate
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
