Don't be fooled by the shallow snowpack; the consequences of a small slide may still be high.
Pay attention to detail as you make your travel decisions.
On lee slopes and catch features where blowing snow from recent gale southeasterly winds is likely to have accumulated, wind slab may still be reactive, particularly above around 2000m where the quantity of available snow for transport was far greater.
With open creeks and rocky runouts, the consequences of taking a ride in even a small avalanche could be high.
There have been very few observations in the Aspiring region so far this winter.
A look around the central part of the region on Wednesday showed only a few avalanches had run naturally out of the last storm. The image shows old Debris on the Hesse glacier Size 2.5 from 0704 Storm
If you see any recent avalanche occurrences or have any relevant snowpack information or photos, you can share them via the Public Observations link on the NZAA home page.
On Wednesday, more snow fell farther east and north of the region, with the Aspiring region receiving 5-10cm. Gale south easterly winds may have also redistributed any available snow from the southern aspects.
In the top elevation band above around 2200m, 1m of snow may have accumulated since the 3rd of July. 30- 40 cm between 1800- 2200 m, and as temperatures dropped on Saturday afternoon, we now have about 20- 30 cm down to 1500m. Gale-force northwest winds during the storm shifted to the south, then to the southeast on Sunday, redistributing the recent storm snow.
Previously, there was a light dusting of snow on 22nd June over an unseasonably shallow snowpack across the region. Between 1900-2400m, some gullies and leeward catch features had started to fill in, and below 1900m there was little to no snow.
Snowpack information is currently very limited.
Forecast for Saturday
Fine.
Wind at 1000 metres Light.
Wind at 2000 metres Light.
Wind at 3000 metres
Southwesterly 30 km/h.
Freezing level 1900 metres.
Issued: 5:22pm Fri 10 Jul
Above around 1800m, firm icy conditions may be exposed after being stripped by the recent strong southerly winds.
Ice axe and crampons are recommended.
Moderate
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
