Avalanche forecast

Queenstown

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
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Highlights

A stormy day ahead!

The avalanche hazard will be considerable with high winds and heavy snowfall.

Backcountry travel is not recommended today.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1.5

    Heavy snowfall and severe winds will be creating a windslab hazard today.

    Expect significant loading around terrain features on all aspects. This is due the changing wind direction and high speeds.

    Expert terrain and snowpack analysis will be required for backcountry travel.

    A good day to kick the feet up. If travelling in the backcountry stick to simple and low angle terrain.

Sliding Danger

Slopes exposed to the wind will be stripped back to a slick old surface. Unlikely that you'll be able to stand there with todays wind!

Forecast Confidence

Moderate

  • We are confident the likelihood of avalanches will increase with the forecast weather.
  • We are uncertain about forecast snowfall amounts.

Recent Avalanche Activity

No recent activity reported.

Current Snowpack Conditions

5-10cm of new snow overnight with snowfall continuing this morning. Initially loading was from the W and SW and we are now seeing a change to S winds.

Expect significant loading around terrain features on all aspects today. This is due the changing wind direction and high speeds.

Windward slopes are scoured and cornice development is occurring at ridgetop.

Mountain Weather

Stormy conditions with Extreme S winds, cold temperatures and snowfall forecast throughout the day. FAFL 1400m dropping to 700 throughout the day.

New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)

Regions covered