New snow on the range. This fell with strong Southeast winds. More snow on the way tomorrow.
Stay tuned for updates.
With such strong South to Southeast winds, expect Wind Slabs to form in steep, sheltered Northern aspects. With the rise in temperatures during the storm, these Wind Slabs will be mostly found above 1600m. These Wind Slabs may now sit below softer snow which fell after the wind dropped.
Storm Slabs will form on steep, sheltered slopes above 1600m once the next forecast snow comes through. The forecast indicates a reasonable amounts of snow still to come in this storm so travel is not recommended until this storm passes.
A spike in temperatures may mean Loose Wet slides may occur on steep slopes at lower elevations where enough snow exists. This hazard will disappear once the freezing level drops again
Wednesday: Rain, heavy at times from late morning, with snow lowering to 600m from the south during the day. Southeasterly winds developing in the morning, rising to gale early afternoon. Freezing level 1500m lowering to 1200m in the afternoon.
Thursday: Showers, with snow to 700m, becoming isolated in the afternoon but remaining cloudy. Light Southerly winds. Freezing level 900m lowering to 700m.
Wind polished surfaces and icy areas will be very slippery. consider Ice axe and Crampons if venturing out.
Low
No recent activity reported.
It is looking like around 75cm at the South of the range tapering to about 50cm to the North. Initially the most of the snow came with strong Southeast winds which dropped during Tuesday. Temperature rose during Tuesday afternoon which has likely left a crust at lower elevations.
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
