A North/North West storm will begin to push onto the region on Wednesday. Gale force winds may drive the formation of Wind Slab.
Be prepared to alter your plans if, conditions appear likely to deteriorate.
There is plenty of snow available for transport. Rising North/North West winds may drive the development of Wind Slab. Be particularly wary of slopes facing North East through to South West above about 1700m. Stay clear of deposits of stiff, wind driven snow.
Some Loose Wet avalanche activity (size 1) on North facing aspects over the past couple of days. Control work at Treble Cone over the weekend produced numerous Wind Slab avalanches on East facing terrain (mostly size 1 and a couple of size 2).
If you see evidence of avalanches in the back country please enter a Public Observation.
A significant amount of snow fell July 22nd - 24th (50 - 60cm in the Albert Burn and at least 30cm further east). Much of this snow landed with minimal wind effect. Prior to the storm which arrived mid last week, the snow pack was mostly stable. Having said that, facets and depth hoar (weak, sugary forms) have been found in places. These pockets of questionable strength appear to be quite isolated and are most likely to exist in steep, shady areas (facing East to South). Melt/freeze crusts have been forming on solar (North facing) aspects.
Wednesday - showers in the West sometimes heavy in the afternoon. Mostly cloudy further East. North/North West gales. Freezing level - 1900m.
Recent snow 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)
