Loose snow avalanches are likely and wind slab avalanches are possible on Sunday. They will be small, but beware of terrain traps that could increase your change of being injured (cliffs, exposed rocks) or buried (gullies).
Cold, dry new snow sitting on a slick crust is a recipe for loose dry avalanches. These could behave more like loose wet avalanches on sunny slopes in the afternoon, where some heat from the sun is likely to weaken the new snow and kick off small slides.
These avalanches will be small, but be wary of terrrain traps like cliffs, gullies, exposed rocks or other hazards where a small slide can have big consequences.
Moderate winds through Sunday could build shallow drifts on sheltered northwest facing slopes near ridgeline. Any slabs that form will be sitting on a slick crust.
These slabs will be small but could sweep you off your feet or bury you if you end up in a gulley or other terrain trap.
Watch for deeper drifts of snow and check the bond to the old snow surface before dropping in.
Moderate
13/8/26 - Ohau Ski Patrol reported a small loose wet avalanche on a north east facing slope at 1600m in steep terrain.
Up to 10cm of new snow is expected in the south of the forecast area, tapering to 5cm in the north. This new snow should extend to low elevations with freezing levels dropping to 600m on Saturday night.
This new snow is falling on a stout melt freeze crust at all elevations on sunny slopes and below around 2000m on shady slopes. Shady slopes above 2000m were holding windpressed powder in places, but any old wind slab on these slopes should be settled by now.
The lower pack will be well locked up below around 1700m. Above this there's a mix of buried melt freeze crusts on sunny slopes, windscoured crusts in exposed areas, and drifts of firm, windpressed snow. This has all been moistened with the warm temperatures earlier in the week and now that it's had a good freeze should be well settled.
A few showers, falling as snow above 500 metres, clearing by afternoon.
Wind at 1000 metres: Southeasterly 30 km/h.
Wind at 2000 metres: Southerly 40 km/h.
Freezing level: 600 metres, rising to 900 metres in the evening.
Beware of sliding falls! There will be slick surfaces just under the new snow. Take an ice axe and crampons for any travel above the snow line.
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
