Strong winds forecast tomorrow will transport any loose snow to new wind slabs. With the wind speeds, expect mid-slope loading. Look for blowing snow and adjust route for any new loading.
With 80+ cm of new snow currently above 2000m from earlier in the week, strong winds tomorrow will transport any loose snow on the NW-facing slopes. Look for snow being tranported and expect mid slope loading from the wind speeds.
If the sun comes out tomorrow, the loose wet hazard will increase. Think about runouts and what's above you.
Nothing reported in the last few days. If you see anything, please report it in the public observations section of the NZAA website.
80mm of rain had fallen in Arthur's Pass in the last week, above 2000m, this will be 80cm of new snow with gale NW winds so expect mid slope loading. This has new had a couple of days to settle. This has fallen on thin coverage, just covering the rocks, below 1700m limyed snow cover. Most areas where below threshold before the storm, limited glaciers have had some early-season snow but have now been rained on with heavy rain and high freezing levels.
Rain, with snow to 600 metres for a time early morning, easing to isolated showers in the afternoon. Winds Severe southeasterly gale 100 km/h, easing to gale 65 km/h in the afternoon. Freezing level 1100 metres, lowering to 700 metres in the afternoon.
New snow is making soft conditions, ridge lines may be stripped of new snow and icy. Crampons and ice axe a good idea for ridge travel.
Moderate
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
