Mt Hutt — Avalanche Forecast

Mt Hutt Patrol ski cut and explosive triggered numerous Size 1.5 Wind Slabs on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning. These were most reactive across any terrain with an Easterly component and in steep, unsupported terrain above 1500m. Roller balling was observed across Westerly aspects on Tuesday afternoon. Thursday: Severe gale NW winds. Overcast sky. FAFL 1500m. Sliding hazard is very aspect-dependent. Exposed terrain still has the rain crust on the surface.  Assess the surface before ending up on slope, a set of crampons and an axe may come in handy.

Increasing NW winds will continue to redistribute snow onto the SE 1/2.  Our problematic rain crust remains at the surface in very exposed places. There is an even 20cm across most lower-angle terrain, which has bonded well to the old surface.   Underneath the rain crust, there is no significant layering of note, with the only storm of this year well consolidated through to ground.