Lawinenlagebericht

Tongariro

New Zealand Avalanche Advisory
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Lawinengefahr

High Alpine · above 2,300 m
2 · Mässig
Alpine · 1,800 m–2,300 m
1 · Gering
Sub Alpine · below 1,800 m
1 · Gering
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Kernpunkte

Wind slabs exist but are gaining strength. The recent storm system has delivered a decent amount of new snow. Snow cover has expanded, with start zones reaching threshold levels. The weather is settled over the next few days; winds ease throughout tomorrow. A ridge of high-pressure effects the region over the next 24 hours. Recommend a conservative mindset if you do venture into the alpine backcountry.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alle Höhenlagen
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Possible
    Größe
    2

    Wind slabs exist on multiple aspects. The loading aspects were mostly south- and east-facing, but wind direction has shifted, expanding the area of concern. Wind-driven snow deposits have also formed near sheltered terrain features, such as ridgelines and rocky outcrops. Weaknesses are present, with triggering possible at start zones that are steep and lacking support. Recommend maintaining a conservative mindset and a cautious approach to any loaded slope.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alle Höhenlagen
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Possible
    Größe
    1

    Loose wet avalanche activity will become possible on solar aspects. Any evenly distributed new snow will react in a negative way once impacted by direct sun. Loose wet activity will be specific to steep sun-affected slopes. The warmest period of the day will be the height for activity, but the cooling south winds may limit surface breakdown. Watch for point release activity and roller ball near and under cliffs and rock bands.

  • Cornices

    • Alle Höhenlagen
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Possible
    Größe
    1.5

    Cornice formation has occurred. Cornice formations will be isolated to south- and east-facing ridgelines. Cornices will be reactive to light loads, as most lack any decent support. Failure will remain a possibility. Triggering a localised wind slab will be possible. Recommend avoidance and maintaining a decent distance even after the storm event.

Recent Avalanche Activity

Multiple avalanches were triggered by ski patrols during slope assessment yesterday (26072026), up to size 2. Debris from size 1 natural avalanches has been observed by Whakapapa and Turoa ski patrols today (25072026).

Current Snowpack Conditions

Currently, strong winds from the south are transporting loose snow onto north- and east-facing aspects. Low-volume slabs are forming but are resistant to light loads. On average, the last storm cycle brought half a metre of new snow to the region at an elevation of 2000 metres. This new snow has been redistributed, forming wind slab deposits over 100 cm in depth on multiple aspects (Turoa). New snow instabilities have been tested by ski patrols mostly around Turoa. Multiple avalanches were triggered during yesterday’s slope assessment. One avalanche was triggered by a significant load at 2500 metres elevation in Turoa backcountry (result classed as size 2). The older, deeper snowpack is consolidated and supportive, with no step down into the older snowpack observed yesterday. Snow cover exists on Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Tongariro. If doing the Tongariro crossing, you will be traveling over snow and ice. Alpine gear and precautions need to be considered. The south-west areas have enough snow cover in start zones above 1600 metres for avalanches to run freely (threshold). In the northern areas, the threshold is at a slightly higher elevation, but this is also changing fast. This recent snowfall has improved snow cover overall and lowered the threshold in the northern areas and east (about 1600 metres elevation).

Mountain Weather

Tuesday the 28th of July will be fine and clear. The winds will be moderate southerlies, easing in the afternoon. The freezing level is about 1500 metres but rising to 2000 metres over the next 24 hours. A high over the Tasman Sea extends a ridge to New Zealand today. The ridge then dominates the country tomorrow.

Sliding Danger

Slick rime crusts are present, posing a sliding hazard. Today’s strong winds are stripping any loose snow, exposing these crusts on ridgelines and windward terrain features. Numerous hazards, such as exposed rocks and cliff bands, remain. Carrying an ice axe and crampons is recommended in the backcountry. It is essential to have strong alpine skills and competence when travelling over slick surfaces with high consequences.

Forecast Confidence

Moderate

  • We are confident due to a stable weather pattern.
  • We are uncertain due to the variability of wind effect on the snowpack.

New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)

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