Monday looks like the last fine day for a while - make the most of it. The good news is that we should receive some much needed snow during the coming week.
Isolated pockets of Wind Slab may be found especially, on slopes facing North East through to South above about 1700m. Avoid ridge line entry points and other steep unsupported slopes if you find stiff, wind driven snow.
No avalanche activity reported recently. Control work at Treble Cone on 16/7 produced numerous size 1 Wind Slab avalanches on East facing slopes.
If you see evidence of avalanches in the back country please enter a public observation.
In general, the snow pack appears to be settling well. Relatively warm temperatures over the past few days have helped the stabilisation process. The flow of back country information is beginning to increase as more parties head out. Buried rime crusts and facets (weak, sugary forms) have been found in places. These pockets of questionable strength are most likely to exist in steep, shady areas (facing East to South).
Monday - fine with areas of valley fog or low cloud. Light Westerly winds. Freezing level - 1800m.
Be prepared to encounter very firm or icy areas. These slick surfaces are most likely to be found below about 1700m but may exist elsewhere. Many West facing slopes and ridge lines have been hammered by the wind. Carrying ski crampons and /or an ice axe and crampons is a good idea. Overall the snowpack remains shallow with many exposed rocks, open creeks and deep hollows. An uncontrolled slide could have nasty consequences.
Moderate
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
