The snowpack below 2000m has become weakened with rain and needs a freeze.
Be especially careful over the warmest period of the day.
High elevation windslab will have built about south and east facing slopes.
Heavy rain (30-50mm)has fallen through the region below 2000m and Fridays freezing level remains high. Wet loose avalanching is likely. Avoid constricted gullies that might funnel snow from above and be prepared to alter plans if the snow is soft and punchy.
Fresh deposits of windslab will be encountered on a number of aspects above around 2000m. These may well be reactive to skier traffic, though should heal up quickly with continuing mild temperatures. Avoid unsupported terrain features and take a look at the structure and bonding of the recent snow before dropping in.
A widespread cycle of wet loose avalanching up to size 2 has occured. Scattered wind and wet slab activity up to size 3 has been seen near and on the divide mostly on E aspects. The Hayter and Stewart avalanche paths have both run into Hooker lake.
Overnight Wednesday up to 60cm of snow is estimated to have fallen above around 2000m on the Divide. Up to 30cm may have fallen above 2000m in eastern terrain. This fell with strong or gale N/NE winds initially, then swung to the W, resulting in windslab on a number of aspects. 30 -50mm of Rain below this elevation (2000m) will have soaked the snowpack, and continuing mild temperatures over Friday will keep the surface weak and prone to loose wet avalanching in many steep solar areas. South facing aspects may be partially refreezing.
The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong and faceting observed recently in shallow areas will gaining strength with moisture and warmer temperatures.
Forecast
Fine.
Wind at 1000 metres
Light.
Wind at 2000 metres
Light, westerly 35 km/h developing in the afternoon.
Wind at 3000 metres
Westerly 30 km/h.
Freezing level
2000 metres.
Issued: 1:11pm Thu 13 Aug
Rain wetted snow has begun to freeze on some southerly aspects. Crampons and ice axe may be needed.
Moderate
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
