New and wind-loaded snow from last week has settled. Isolated wind slabs may still exist on high-elevation east to south aspects.
At lower elevations, a firm rain crust has formed, creating a potential sliding hazard on steep terrain.
Wind slab danger exists on isolated east to south aspects above 1800 m.
Denser new snow has loaded onto weak layers, but no reactivity has been observed. Warm temperatures have helped the snowpack consolidate and strengthen.
Use caution in steep, wind-loaded terrain where isolated slabs may remain reactive.
14 July – Multiple size 1 loose wet avalanches triggered by a rain-on-snow event were observed from Ohau Ski Field. Cornice failures were also observed along the ridgeline.
Approximately 15–20 cm of new snow fell above 1850 m between 13–14 July, accompanied by severe NW winds that later shifted to the SW. In exposed terrain, the strong winds stripped the new snow back to the ground or to slick rain crusts.
Wind loading created pockets of dense wind slab on east through south aspects, with slab depths of approximately 30–50 cm.
In some locations, these wind slabs overlie weak faceted snow, making them potentially reactive to additional loading.
Below 1850 m, precipitation fell as rain, forming a widespread rain crust on all aspects.
Morning cloud clearing to fine. Areas of morning frost.
wind at top
Westerly 10 km/h rising to northwesterly 30 km/h early evening.
freezing level
Rising to 2300 metres.
Firm snow conditions are present on west-facing slopes near ridgelines and at lower elevations where a rain crust exists. These hard surfaces may present a sliding hazard, particularly on steep terrain.
High
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
