Isolated areas of wind slab may still be developing with the forecast strong southeasterly winds.
Poor visibility and light snow showers are expected today.
There is very limited data around the current snowpack structure, particularly above 2000m. A cautious, investigative approach should be applied to any backcountry travel.
Above 1800m, wind slabs may be larger and still reactive to light loads.
Strong southeasterly winds are forecast to continue, redistributing surface snow.
On lee slopes and catch features where blowing snow is likely to accumulate, wind slab may continue to develop, particularly above around 1800m.
There have been very few observations in the Aspiring region so far this winter.
Some natural wind slab avalanche activity is expected to have run in the top and possibly middle elevation bands during the last storm cycle.
If you see any recent avalanche occurrences or have any relevant snowpack information or photos, you can share them via the Public Observations link on the NZAA home page.
In the top elevation band above around 2200m, 1m of snow may have accumulated since the 3rd of July. 20- 30 cm between 1800- 2200 m, and as temperatures dropped on Saturday afternoon, we now have about 10- 20 cm down to 1500m. Gale-force northwest winds during the storm shifted to the south, then to the southeast on Sunday, redistributing the recent storm snow.
Previously, there was a light dusting of snow on 22nd June over an unseasonably shallow snowpack across the region. Between 1900-2400m, some gullies and leeward catch features had started to fill in, and below 1900m there was little to no snow.
Snowpack information is currently very limited.
Today8 Jul Cloud and drizzle about southeastern faces, but fine elsewhere.
Wind at 1000 metres Southeasterly gale 65 km/h, rising to gale 85 km/h by midday.
Wind at 2000 metres Southeasterly 45 km/h, rising to gale 65 km/h in the morning.
Wind at 3000 metres Southeasterly 55 km/h developing in the morning.
Freezing level 1200 metres.
Mountain Weather Hazards Wind, Wind Chill
Issued 7:09am Wed 8 Jul
Above around 1800m, firm icy conditions may become exposed in many areas as the southerly winds continue to strip exposed areas back to old ice layers.
Ice axe and crampons are recommended.
Moderate
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
