Plan your trip early to avoid the incoming storm. Storm Slabs are the problem if we see significant snow in the afternoon.
New snow in the forecast will fall onto a firm surface. If we receive more than 10cm of snow in the afternoon then we can expect Storm Slabs to form quickly. These slabs can be tricky to pick but they do tend to settle quickly (48-72hrs) The more snow we receive the larger these will become and if they do get going, are likely to run fast and a long way. Avoid traveling on or below steep (>30 Degree)loaded slopes for the next few days
Several Loose Wet avalanches reported in Little Alaska, Mt Olympus and in the Black Range on Pk 1912, 13/08
Snow coverage across the forecast area is super variable. Up to 150cm in some areas down to rime covered rocks. Tests above 1700m show a thick rain crust is found closer to the ground (30-60cm down) on most aspects with a thin layer of sugary crystals (Facets) observed both above and below. Around 15cm of new snow in the past week has fallen above 1500m with rain or drizzle falling below this elevation. Warm temperatures have settled the upper snowpack somewhat almost creating a spring like snowpack.
Saturday: A fine and frosty start. Scattered rain developing late morning, with snow lowering to 600m from late afternoon. Southerly winds increasing during the day. Freezing level 1800m slowly lowering to 900m in the afternoon.
Sunday: Partly cloudy. A few showers, with snow possible to 500m before dawn, clearing from the south throughout the afternoon. Moderate Southerly winds. Freezing level 800m rising to 1200m at night.
Overnight frosts on a moist snowpack will create a very firm surface in the morning.
Ice axe and Crampons are recommended if venturing out.
Moderate
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
