New snow on the range and more to come.
Wind Slab is the hazard to watch.
As this storm blows through, the initial snow will be at upper elevations then with the Southerly wind change, expect these wind slabs to form on steep Northern aspects. If we receive more than 10-15cm in the next 24hr this will increase the likelihood and size of the avalanches therefore the hazard. Watch for dense pockets of wind blown snow if in terrain above 30degrees.
Cold temperatures are forecast for the next few days. Expect any new snow which falls to accumulate in steep sheltered terrain and could produce small Loose Dry avalanches. Although these are generally small, with current conditions, they have potential to run far and fast.
Loose Dry/Wet reported 24/07 Southwest aspect 1850m, South end of the range. Multiple small Wind Slabs triggered with explosives control across the range, 24/07.
Coverage is patchy with significant pockets of wind deposited snow all the way through to very thin patches. Around 25mm of rain fell on the range on the 15/07. Upwards of 30cm fell with strong Southwest winds overnight on the 24/07. During the down pour the freezing level dropped to around 1500m leaving cold, dry snow above 1600m and wet snow below this level. Forecast is for the temperature to get cold and more snow for the next 24hrs.
Saturday: Rain easing to showers in the morning, clearing to fine in the evening. Snow to 800m in the morning. Light Southerly winds. Freezing level 1200m lowering to 600m in the evening.
Sunday: Fine. Light Southwesterly winds. Freezing level 600m rising to 1100m in the morning.
Ice axe and Crampons will be essential if venturing out.
Moderate
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
