Loose Wet
- All elevations
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1.5
With rain below 1900m in the forecast and a high freezing level, loose wet avalanches may occur on all aspects, particularly in the mid-alpine.
Avalanche forecast
View on mapNelson Lakes
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory
Avalanche danger
- High Alpine · above 1,800 m
- 2 · Moderate
- Alpine · 1,200 m–1,800 m
- 2 · Moderate
- Sub Alpine · below 1,200 m
- No rating
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Highlights
Rain below 1900m increases loose wet avalanche danger at lower elevations on Thursday. Isolated wind slab may develop on steep south and east aspects in the high alpine.
Avalanche problems
Wind Slabs
- All elevations
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1.5
Wind slab danger may increase on south and eastern aspects at upper elevations as forecast snow above 1900m is transported by strong northwest winds.
Recent Avalanche Activity
No new avalanche activity was seen from the air on the afternoon of the 12th. Please provide any snowpack or avalanche observations using the link below.
Current Snowpack Conditions
Recent new snow has fallen above 1500 meters, accompanied by moderate to strong winds, resulting in wind slabs at higher elevations, lee to the west. Warmer temperatures earlier in the week have resulted in a well-settled, lower snowpack, and the storm snow has settled and bonded well. Warmer temperatures on Wednesday and Thursday will increase loose wet avalanche danger. Snow and wind from the northwest may increase wind slab danger at upper elevations.
Mountain Weather
Snow showers developing above 1900m with rain below. Gale-force northerlies easing during the day. Freezing level 2200m.
Sliding Danger
Some wind-scoured slopes may be hard. Ice axe and crampons will need to be carried for mountain travel.
Forecast Confidence
Moderate
- We are confident the likelihood of avalanches will increase with the forecast weather.
- We are uncertain about forecast precipitation amounts.
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)