Boletín de aludes

Two Thumbs

New Zealand Avalanche Advisory
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Peligro de aludes

High Alpine · above 1,800 m
2 · Moderado
Alpine · 1,200 m–1,800 m
1 · Débil
Sub Alpine · below 1,200 m
Sin grado
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Desactualizado: este boletín caducó 3 weeks ago. Estás viendo condiciones pasadas, no el boletín vigente.

Lo esencial

Small pockets of wind slab remain on the north-eastern half and in cross-loaded gullies.

Firm snow, ice and exposed rocks are likely to present a greater hazard in many areas.

Continue to use careful route selection around ridge-lines, gullies and above rocky runouts.

Problemas de aludes

  • Wind Slabs

    • Todas las altitudes
    Probabilidad
    Possible
    Tamaño
    1

    Recent southwest winds have formed small pockets of wind slab in sheltered lee terrain (north, north-east, east and south-east facing slopes), particularly near ridge-lines, below roll-overs and in cross-loaded gullies. Although the snowpack is continuing to stabilise and these slabs are becoming increasingly stubborn to trigger, they may still exist on north- to southeast-facing features where enough snow remains for transport.

    Look out for smooth, rounded pillows of wind-drifted snow, changes in snow texture and hollow-feeling slabs over firm crusts. Careful terrain selection remains important in steep alpine terrain, particularly where even a small avalanche could carry you into rocks, gullies or over cliffs.

  • Loose Wet

    • Todas las altitudes
    Probabilidad
    Possible
    Tamaño
    1

    With a fine day forecast, and increasing freezing levels, small loose wet avalanches may occur in steep sunny gullies during the heat of the day.

    Look for roller-balling and signs the snow is losing cohesion.

    Be ready to adjust your route if necessary.

Recent Avalanche Activity

No new avalanche observations over the past 2 days.

If you see any activity on the Two Thumb Range, please make a public observation. It helps us to produce accurate forecasts.

Current Snowpack Conditions

Southern end of range — south of Stag Saddle

Ridge-lines and slopes exposed to the south-west, have been heavily scoured, and mostly stripped back to old crusts, or even bare rocks and scree on upper ridges. Firm crusts and areas of wind-affected snow are widespread, with the most variable conditions found in the high alpine.

Sheltered terrain continues to hold soft snow — up to 20cm of cold wind-drifted snow can be found in sheltered bowls that have escaped the southwest gales.

Snow depth varies from 40-70cm, with deeper accumulations of 100-120cm in sheltered areas.

Small facets (weak sugary crystals) have begun developing around crusts in the upper snowpack, particularly on shallow shaded slopes. At present, these are not posing a significant problem. Below the crusts, the lower snowpack is well settled.

Northern end of range — north of Stag Saddle

The snowpack north of Stag Saddle is not well understood, with no direct observations. We expect that deep snow will have accumulated in sheltered areas above 1800m.

Mountain Weather

Fine with severe morning and night frosts.

WIND AT 1000 METRES

Light.

WIND AT 2000 METRES

Light.

FREEZING LEVEL

About 1500 metres.

Sliding Danger

Firm snow surfaces, exposed ice and rocks are widespread and will present a greater hazard than avalanches in areas exposed to the south-west gales. A slip or fall on steep terrain could have serious consequences, particularly above bluffs, in gullies or where runouts are confined.

Take extra care when travelling on hard snow, assess runout zones before committing to steep slopes, and carry equipment appropriate for firm alpine conditions, such as crampons and an ice axe. Conservative route selection remains the most effective way to manage these hazards.

Forecast Confidence

Moderate

  • We are confident due to a stable weather pattern.
  • We are uncertain due to a highly variable snowpack.
  • 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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