Continued snowfall and cold temperatures today.
Southerly snow will be slow to bond to the old surface.
Avoid areas of obvious loading and be cautious of many hidden hazards.
The cold snow will be slow to bond to the old surface today.
Avoid steep entries and obvious loading around terrain features. Pick terrain with clean run outs and practise good group management.
Expect loading around terrain features even on windward slopes with the forecasted winds.
Multiple size 1 wind slabs were triggered by local ski patrols yesterday.
These were on slopes lee to the W half (NW, W and SW) and around terrain features like ridges and cliffs.
Another 5-10cm overnight with continuing snowfall this morning to low elevations.
Loading up to 50cm lee to the South. This will be slow to bond today with the cold temperatures.
This most recent snow has fallen over a thin and varied snowpack. On exposed NW, W and SW slopes the old surface is either ground or a firm crust.
Shady areas still have faceted snow in the lower snowpack. However recent conditions have promoted rounding (healing) and with extensive testing in the region we have removed Persistent Slab from the avalanche problems. These layers will continue to be monitored as the snowpack develops.
Cold temperatures and light snow throughout the day. Moderate S winds and a 600m FAFL.
Expect an icy old surface on sunny (N, NE and E) slopes under the new snow.
Moderate
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
