There may be a surface release across the N 1/4 on Saturday. Sunday will see a drop in temperatures and surfaces will lock up. Take it easy!
Loose Wet avalanches will be possible across the N 1/4 above 1200m. Avoid steep rocky terrain where possible and be wary of overhead terrain if travelling through low elevation bands. This problem will cease to exist on Sunday afternoon as temperatures drop.
There has been no avalanche activity reported in the past 48 hours.
The snowpack has seen significant wind above 1800m. The couple of cms of new snow from Wednesday is very wind affected. Below 1800m, previously moist grains and a recently formed rain crust make for an interesting surface combination. Underneath the surface there is no siginficant layering of note with the only storm of this season snow well consolidated through to ground.
Saturday: High cloud, Westerly's increase to strong by the afternoon. FAFL down to 2200m.
Sunday: Partly cloudy, continual Westerlys with some snow forecast for later afternoon. No significant accumulations expected. FAFL down to 1400m.
Surfaces are hard in places and sliding hazard certainly exists. Be wary of ridgeline travel and assess conditions in terrain with good runouts. An axe and crampons are highly recommended.
High
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
