In general, conditions are improving following several days of particularly volatile weather.
However, rapid changes have occurred in the snow pack and very limited back country information currently exists.
Recommend a cautious, investigative approach.
If in doubt, choose low to moderate angled wide open slopes.
Fresh snow and strong North West winds are forecast. Wind Slab may exist especially, on slopes facing East through to South West above about 1700m. Avoid ridge line entry points and other steep unsupported slopes if you encounter stiff wind transported snow.
Recent heavy rain has left the snow pack holding significant moisture particularly, below about 1700m. Wet slide activity (Loose Wet and Wet Slab) is possible and could occur on any aspect. The pack is in the process of draining and reconsolidating. Be prepared to put your plans on hold if you find the pack badly rain affected.
Limited information currently exists regarding recent backcountry avalanche activity. A widespread cycle of natural avalanches (Wet Slab, Loose Wet and Wind Slab) is likely to have occurred over the past few days.
If you see evidence of avalanches in the back country please enter a Public Observation.
A significant amount of rain and snow over the past few days with at least 100mm in the Albert Burn. Rain to about 1800m on Wednesday before the freezing level began to drop. There was a rapid rise in temperature on Thursday afternoon which triggered a widespread cycle of wet slide activity. Recent snowfall has been redistributed by gales from several directions (Northerly gales on Thursday and Westerly gales on Friday). Warm temperatures on Friday afternoon will have helped snow pack settlement.
Saturday - partly cloudy with showers falling as snow down to 1300m. Moderate to strong North West winds. Freezing level - 1300m rising to 1600m in the evening.
Rain/snow and strong winds from multiple directions over the past few days. Also, the freezing level has been changing constantly. Be prepared to encountered highly variable surface conditions ( including fresh snow, refrozen wet snow and areas stripped back to slick crusts). Recommend carrying ski crampons and/or an ice axe and crampons.
Moderate
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
