A heavy rain watch is in force until dawn on Thursday in western regions of the Park.
Overnight snow followed by rain to 2000m will significantly raise the risk of loose wet avalanches on all aspects.
Avoid punchy rain-sodden snow on steep and unsupported slopes.
Snow down to ~1700m followed by rain up to at least 2000m will increase loose wet avalanche hazard on all aspects.
If the sun comes out on Thursday it will raise the loose wet hazard on sunny aspects at highest elevations which received snow overnight.
Natural loose wet avalanches threaten slopes below, so be aware of what's above you.
If it snows at elevations above 2000m then windslab may develop on aspects lee to the northerly half.
No avalanche activity reported.
If you see anything, please report it in the public observations section of the NZAA website.
A warm and largely consolidated snowpack at mid and higher elevations continues to gain strength. Below 1700-1800m the snowpack has been rained on and at lower elevations it is probably isothermic. There are wind stripped surfaces at higher elevations on most aspects. The threshold for avalanches is estimated at around 1500m in the west, tapering east.
Forecast for Thursday 13 August
Occasional rain, with snow possible to 2000 metres, clearing in the evening.
Wind at 1000 metres
Northerly 50 km/h, easing to northwesterly 30 km/h in the afternoon.
Wind at 2000 metres
Northerly gale 70 km/h, easing to northwesterly 35 km/h in the afternoon.
Freezing level
2200 metres.
Expect areas to be stripped back to hard surfaces from the gale winds at higher elevations. Crampons and an ice axe are a good idea, as many firmer areas now exist.
Moderate
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
