Westerly winds will strengthen on Monday, causing the wind slab hazard to rise.
Carefully assess the snowpack and terrain before committing to steep slopes.
Be especially cautious around ridgelines, gullies, and other wind-loaded features where reactive wind slabs are likely to exist.
Wind slab danger is increasing on east to south facing slopes above 1500m as strong westerly winds pick up for Monday.Be cautious around ridgelines, gullies, cross-loaded terrain features, and other wind-loaded areas where reactive wind slabs are most likely to have formed.
Moderate
1 Aug – Two wind slab avalanches on NE and SE aspects above 1800m were triggered with explosives by Ohau Ski Patrol.
20 cm of new snow fell on Thursday and Friday, accompanied by severe NW gale-force winds. The strong winds stripped snow from west-facing slopes and exposed ridge crests.
Wind-loaded pockets have formed on east- to south-facing aspects, where reactive wind slabs are likely to exist.
On Friday afternoon, the winds shifted to the south, redistributing the fresh snow and creating complex wind-loading patterns.
Prior to the storm, the snowpack was generally well settled and stable.
Partly cloudy with a few showers, mainly about the Divide. Snow lowering to 1000 metres at night.
wind at top
Westerly 50 km/h easing to 30 km/h early evening.
freezing level
Lowering to 800 metres overnight.
Firm snow conditions are present on west-facing slopes near ridgelines and at lower elevations where a rain crust exists. These hard surfaces may present a sliding hazard, particularly on steep terrain and may be cunningly hidden under new snow.
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
