Ohau — Avalanche Forecast

No recent avalanche observations were reported in the past 48 hours. South of Arthurs Pass: Snow developing before dawn, heavy at times above 400 metres, easing to isolated showers in the morning and clearing in the afternoon. Elsewhere: Rain developing in the morning, possibly heavy and falling as snow above 500 metres. Rain easing in the afternoon and clearing in the evening.wind at topSouthwesterly 50 km/h.freezing level600 rising to 1200 metres afternoon. A serious sliding hazard exists in the morning when the snowpack is refrozen hard. Carry an ice axe and crampons, and make sure you know how to use them effectively. Consider the consequences of a fall before committing to steep terrain.

The snowpack is generally well consolidated and has a typical spring character — firm and hard in the morning, then gradually softening as temperatures rise during the day.