Loose Wet
- All elevations
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1.5
Loose wet avalanches on north-facing aspects may occur if the sun makes an appearance with the forecast high freezing level. Use extra caution, as even a small ride may end in rocky terrain.
Avalanche forecast
View on mapNelson Lakes
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory
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
- No rating
Out of date — this forecast expired 4 weeks ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.
Highlights
Loose wet avalanche danger will increase on sunny aspects due to solar radiation and a high freezing level if the sun makes an appearance. Remember, the avalanche runouts will be full of rocks, so even a small ride may be serious.
Avalanche problems
Recent Avalanche Activity
No observations, but suspect some roller balling and loose wet avalanche on sunny aspects. Please submit public observations to the link below.
Current Snowpack Conditions
Reasonably consistent snow cover exists above 1800 meters. Below 2000 meters, the new snow may overlie a hard rain crust. Below 1700 meters, the snowpack is mostly below threshold (not enough snow to trigger an avalanche). The more moderate air temperatures will have reduced the storm slab danger. The new snow will be sensitive to the forecast solar radiation and the rising freezing level.
Mountain Weather
Cloudy around the tops. The odd shower late in the day. Northwest winds increasing from moderate to strong about the tops. Freezing level 1800m.
Sliding Danger
North-facing aspects in particular may be hard during the night and first thing in the morning. Sliding into rock is a potential hazard. Ice axe and crampons should be part of your winter gear.
Forecast Confidence
Moderate
- We are uncertain due to a limited number of field observations.
- We are uncertain about how the timing or intensity of solar radiation will affect the snowpack.
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)