Storms brewing! Avoid getting caught out late in the afternoon, especially as temperatures cool and Southerly snowfall kicks in!
Loose Wet avalanches will be possible on all aspects and at all elevations. Look for roller balling or recent avalanche activity as a key sign of instability, and avoid avalanche terrain as rain begins to fall.
None have been observed in the past 48 hours.
The snowpack received 2-3cm of new snow early on Sunday. This was preceded by 20mm of rain. The upper snowpack is certainly mostly melt forms, especially at lower elevations. Evidence of previous rain crusts breaking down will be easily found. The lower pack is very well consolidated and has little structure of note.
Rainfall from midday onward, transitioning to snow in the late afternoon. Westerly early, with a Southerly change late. FAFL does lower from above 2000m to under 1000m in the evening.
Surfaces are hard at times given the recent rain, especially in the morning. Crampons and an axe are recommended.
Moderate
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
