The new snow has now had some time to settle; isolated pockets still exist at higher elevations. Limited new snow and cloud forecast again tomorrow, but if a clearance occurs, the loose wet could be a problem. With the limited snow cover, any avalanche will have poor runouts, increasing consequence.
With 80+ cm of new snow currently above 2000m from ealer in the week now having had some time to settle, the wind slab problem is isolated to higher elevations. Caution of the runouts with limited snow cover in the runouts.
If the sun comes out tomorrow, the loose wet hazard will increase. Thnk if runouts and whats above you.
Nothing reported in the last few days. If you see anything, please report it in the public observations section of the NZAA website.
80mm of rain had fallen in Arthur's Pass iin the last 3 days; above 2000 m, this will be 80cm of new snow with gale NW winds so expect mid slope loading. This has new had a couple of days to settle. This has fallen on thin coverage, just covering the rocks, below 1700m limyed snow cover. Most areas where below threshold before the storm, limited glaciers have had some early-season snow but have now been rained on with heavy rain and high freezing levels.
Occasional rain. Snow to 1100 metres, lowering to 700 metres in the evening. Winds Southeasterly 60 km/h, rising to southerly gale 80 km/h in the afternoon. Freezing level 1400 metres, lowering to 1000 metres in the evening.
New snow is making soft conditions, ridge lines may be stripped of new snow and icy. Crampons and ice axe a good idea for ridge travel.
Moderate
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
