Ohau — Avalanche Forecast

No recent avalanche activity was observed or reported in the last 72 hrs. Several recent wet slab releases were observed by this forecaster in adjacent terrain (Aoraki - Tasman valley, eastern aspects), early in the week. These had been reported in the public observations for that area. Our thanks for your input.   Rain with heavy falls spreading north about the Main Divide in the morning, patchy rain elsewhere. Rain turning to showers in the afternoon, some heavy and possibly thundery about the Main Divide. Northwesterly 70 km/h easing to 30 km/h early evening. With spring conditions of warm afternoons and cold overnight conditions could well make for a firm surface in the mornings. Taking an ice axe and crampons above the snowline is usually a good idea.

 last week had 30-40cm + cm of new snow above 1800m, lowering to lake level early in the week.  Wind/Storm Slab + cornice development with 50cm plus from the previous storm cycle at higher elevations. The previous snow pack was mostly wet grains. Now likely buried at upper elevations. 10-15cm has likely fallen close to the Divide on Thursday and overnight Friday. Shine on the snow shows clues that the surface has caught some heat and will probably lock up in the morning, with wet grains again the predominate feature.