Some fresh snow and strong Northerly winds over the past 24 hours.
Be on the lookout for pockets of Wind Slab (stiff wind transported snow) and stay clear of them.
Northerly winds may have transported snow and created pockets of Wind Slab. These slabs are most likely to have formed on South facing slopes above about 1700m. Avoid ridge line entry points and other steep unsupported ground if you encounter stiff, wind driven snow.
The likelihood of Loose Wet avalanches will increase as the day warms up. These slides are most likely to occur on solar (North facing) aspects. If the surface is heating rapidly and losing cohesion it is time to move to a cooler aspect.
Observations have been hamper over the past 24 hours by long periods of poor visibility. A cycle of Loose Wet avalanches has occurred across the region in recent days.
If you see evidence of avalanches in the back country please enter a Public Observation.
Some fresh snow over the past 24 hours (15 - 25cm) in the West. Limited new snow further East. A snowfall of 20 - 30cm 8th/9th August. The underlying pack is mostly stable. Having said that, facets and depth hoar (weak, sugary forms) have been found in places. These pockets of questionable strength appear to be reasonably isolated and are most likely to exist on slopes facing East to South. You would be wise to do some investigation before committing to steep, shady terrain.
Thursday - a few showers clearing in the afternoon. Snow down to 1800m AM. North West/Northerly winds easing AM. Light Westerly winds PM. Freezing level - 2000m falling to 1700m during the day.
Some fresh snow over the past few days will have reduced the sliding danger. However, keep in mind that the underlying pack remains shallow especially, at lower elevations. Rocks and icy areas may be lurking below a thin cover of fresh snow.
Moderate
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
