Wind slab avalanche danger will still exist on south- and east-facing aspects at upper elevations due to strong winds and snow from the northwest.
Care will be required on the south and eastern aspects at upper elevations, where new snow is redistributed by strong north and west winds. Care will increasingly be required, particularly at upper elevations.
None observed in extensive aerial on the 6th. Please provide a public observation if out and about above the snow line using the link below.
Consistent snow cover exists above 1800 meters. Snow cover below 1800 is still patchy on south and eastern aspects and nonexistent on west-facing aspects. Ongoing strong to gale-force winds at upper elevation has promoted wind slab danger. Lower-density snow has been noted below wind-transported snow on east-facing aspects on the 6th. The bond between the new wind-transported snow and the previous snow surfaces has not been that strong in places. Moderate air temps should have strengthened this somewhat. Few observations exist at this time at upper elevation, so caution will be required if venturing to the high alpine. Further snow loading during sunday will continue to promote wind slab danger above 1800m.
The snow forecast for the 8th did not come to fruition with only approximately 10 cm of snow above 1900. Sunday forecast is for a further 10cm of snow with a little more at upper elevations.
Some wind-scoured slopes may be hard. Ice axe and crampons will need to be carried for mountain travel.
Moderate
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
