Nelson Lakes

Wind slab danger will remain considerable on eastern-facing aspects above 1800m. This snow will be sensitive to the forecast increased freezing level and rain at high elevations.

Wednesday afternoon is likely to see a widespread loose wet avalanche cycle.

No observations have been possible during this current storm. Please provide any snowpack or avalanche observations using the link below.

https://www.avalanche.net.nz/observations

Snow cover below 1800m is intermittent, especially on north and west-facing aspects. Cover above 1800m is consistent, particularly on south and east aspects. No significant weakness has been noted in the snowpack below 1800m. There are few observations of the strength of the snowpack above 1800m so continue to be cautious at upper elevations. Rain has saturated the snowpack below 1800m. New snow continues to fall in the high alpine, accompanied by gale-force winds from the westerly quarter. This new snow will be sensitive to the forecast rise in the freezing level.

Showers will become more persistent as the day progresses. Gale northwesterly winds will increase during the day to 110 km/h at the ridge crest. The freezing level will rise from 1900m to 2400m and snow fall at upper elevations will turn to rain. Not a nice day to be in the hills.

An ice axe and crampons need to be carried for mountain travel in the morning.

Moderate

• We are confident the likelihood of avalanches will increase with the forecast weather.
• We are uncertain if precipitation will fall as rain or snow.
• We are uncertain due to rapidly changing freezing levels.