Some new snow is expected from a southerly flow. The wet snowpack, from the last few days of heat and rain, is starting to freeze up as temperatures drop.
Watch for small pockets of wind slab which will develop on Saturday, especially at higher elevations.
Pockets of wind slab may form on a refrozen surface. This is most likely on the steep ground near the ridgetops or on steep mid-slope rolls. The initial bond to the icy surface may be poor.
Wed 13 Aug - A series of avalanching (unsure of type) off Mt Talbot observed in the afternoon.
Tuesday 12 Aug - Loose wet activity observed on all sunny aspects throughout the Darran Mountains
Sun 9th Aug- Some wet loose activity reported during rain in the Gertrude Valley area.
12- 13th August - About 20-30cm above 2000m and rain below (45mm). The freezing level has been around 1800 -2000m for the last 48 hours.
Fri 7th to Sun 9th. Up to 25cm fell in above about 1700m in northern Fiordland. Expect some slab development in the steep ground near ridgetops. Below about 1700m expect a lattice of rain crusts or even rain-soaked snow at the very low elevations.
Above 1800 this snow overlies a snowpack that is thought to be stable. It is expected to have layers but has been tested by strong wind loading and wind stripping from both the west and the SE in early August.Below 1800 new snow overlies a thin snowpack has had rain on it at the beginning of pretty much all the winter storms, and is thought to be well stable.
Rain before dawn, falling as snow to 1200 metres, easing to showers in the morning with snow flurries to 700 metres. Showers becoming far and few between in the afternoon.
Wind at 1000 metres - Westerly 55 km/h, turning southerly 35 km/h before dawn, then rising to gale 65 km/h north of Doubtful Sound in the evening.
Wind at 2000 metres - Westerly 35 km/h, turning southerly 30 km/h before dawn, rising to gale 65 km/h north of Doubtful Sound in the evening.
Freezing level - 1500 metres, lowering to 900 metres in the morning.
A refreeze of the wet snowpack is taking place. Take an axe and crampons if you're exploring.
Moderate
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
