Avalanche forecast

Craigieburn Range

New Zealand Avalanche Advisory
View on map

Avalanche danger

High Alpine · above 1,800 m
1 · Low
Alpine · 1,200 m–1,800 m
1 · Low
Sub Alpine · below 1,200 m
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired last week. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Low does not mean 'No'

Solar radiation on new snow and a rising freezing level quickly increases the Loose Wet hazard.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Mid August sun on light new snow and a rising freezing level will react quickly causing roller-balling first then possible small Loose Wet avalanches especially on sunny slopes in the heat of the day. Be aware of this hazard if traveling uphill in these areas.

  • Wind Slabs

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1.5

    Wind Slabs are more dense and contain smaller snow particles due to being tossed around and beaten up by the wind. These Wind Slabs will be found mostly on Northern 1/2 aspects above 1700m, near ridge tops and in sheltered zones. Cornices indicate wind direction and are currently soft and easy to collapse. Watch for denser, hollow sounding pockets of fresh snow on steep slopes above 30 degrees. Cross loaded slopes have been reported in the backcountry around the forecast area 16/08.

Recent Avalanche Activity

Mt Hutt triggered a size 2 Wind Slab with explosives 16/08

Several small Wind Slabs reported at both Porters and Mt Olympus 17/08

Current Snowpack Conditions

Snow coverage across the forecast area is super variable. Up to 150cm in some areas down to rime covered rocks. Warm temperatures will have settled the upper pack somewhat, almost creating a spring like snowpack leaving a firm surface after overnight freezes. Around 10cm of cold dry snow fell on the 15th and 16th August. This fell onto a very firm surface. Moderate Southerly wind pushed a lot of this snow onto North and Western aspects. Soft cornices were observed on Western aspects above Tarn Basin 16/08. Cold temperatures are creating a weaker layer underneath this new snow however this is not widespread in the forecast region. This is a layer to monitor over time to see which way it will go.

Mountain Weather

Wednesday: Cloudy, with occasional showers clearing in the afternoon as fine spells develop. Southwest winds easing during the day. Freezing level 1400m rising to 2100m in the afternoon.

Thursday: Fine. Westerly winds. Freezing level 2100m.

Sliding Danger

Even after new snow, the previous surface is just beneath. Ice axe and crampons are highly recommended. Ski Crampons will be required if adventuring on skis or snowboard.

Forecast Confidence

Moderate

  • We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast.
  • We are uncertain about how the timing or intensity of solar radiation will affect the snowpack.

New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)

Regions covered