Snow warning for Desert Rd

Snowfall is possible on the Desert Rd this morning, MetSevice warns. File photo of snow taken by Wendy Tautari at the Trig on July 15.

A snowfall warning has been issued for the Desert Rd this morning.

The MetService said between 1 and 2cm of snow could fall before midday.

Care is advised if travelling through the area.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council warns that weather conditions could increase the risk of avalanches in the Southern Alps.

Council chief executive Mike Daisley said conditions were likely to become very tricky in the back country, where a lot of snow is expected after a long period of warmer weather.

"We've had long fine spells and a shallow snowpack in early winter. Chatting to our forecasters around the country they are very concerned about it."

Daisley said back country travel was not advised, and people should check the Avalanche Advisory website before travelling in alpine areas.

In the Southern Alps, signs of instability because of heavy snow loading over a rain crust that had a thin layer of very weak snow on top of it, were evident, he said.

The conditions, known as "dust on crust" were reportedly widespread throughout the Alps east of the divide, according to the Mountain Safety Council.

Dangerous avalanche conditions may develop once the rain crust layer is buried.