Avalanche forecast

Ohau

New Zealand Avalanche Advisory
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Avalanche danger

High Alpine · above 1,800 m
3 · Considerable
Alpine · 1,200 m–1,800 m
2 · Moderate
Sub Alpine · below 1,200 m
1 · Low
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Highlights

The wind has been out to play. Moving both the new snow and the preceding surface layer over to eastern and northern aspects.

Caution is advised as this will have created a wind slab, with potentially an older buried one on these aspects.

Avoidance of loaded slopes on the eastern through to northern slopes is the best strategy. Be aware of cross-loaded slopes as well, mid slope, as the last 2 storms have had a pronounced NW through to southerly wind shift.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1.5

    Wind slab danger is probable or possible on south west through to northern slopes . Potentially CONSIDERABLE in the north and west of the forecast area, MODERATE further south.

    Be cautious around ridgelines, gullies, cross-loaded terrain features, and other wind-loaded areas where reactive wind slabs are most likely to have formed.

  • Loose Wet

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Tuesday, the sun comes out. If the freezing level also rises or there is a pronounced solar affect, there will be a period of Loose Wet avalanching out of steep terrain in the heat of the day.

    If it stays cold, watch for this to happen on Wednesday.

Recent Avalanche Activity

A Large Natural avalanche ran to valley floor on the 32st or 1st (see photo). Not much else observed. Your observations from the back country are always appreciate via our Public Obs link

Current Snowpack Conditions

20 cm of new snow fell on Thursday and Friday, accompanied by severe NW gale-force winds. The strong winds stripped snow from west-facing slopes and exposed ridge crests. Then a clear, but sometimes windy period and 15-20cm overnight Sunday into Monday morning. Much of this blown away or relocated mid slope to West to northern slopes.

There are still some near to ground facets being observed, otherwise the previous to this storm snow pack appeared to have settled well. Therre's anywhere between 150cm and 50cm out there over the ground.

Mountain Weather

Mostly cloudy. Occasional sleet or snow showers, clearing south of the Mackenzie Basin in the afternoon.

Moderate to light southerly winds and a freezing level dropping to around 500m for a time before rebounding.

Sliding Danger

Firm snow conditions are present on west-facing slopes near ridgelines where it has been wind blasted exists. These hard surfaces may present a sliding hazard, particularly on steep terrain and may be cunningly hidden under new snow.

Forecast Confidence

Moderate

  • The snowpack structure is well understood.
  • We are uncertain due to a limited number of field observations.

New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)

Regions covered