Avalanche forecast

Taranaki

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
3 · Considerable
Sub Alpine · below 1,200 m
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Wind slab is the concern with this storm, noting weather will limit observations and travel on the mountian.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2.5

    The advisory will remain at Considerable for at least Tuesday, as we are in the immediate period after the storm. Noting the wind slab will need time to start building strength. Travel on the mountain needs to be carefully thought out, choosing routes that avoid or limit your risk to the avalanche problem. Remembering the current avalanche problem will impact the upper tracks, especially now that most avalanche paths have full tracks and reasonable mass in the start zones. Always carry your own avalanche rescue equipment, and ensure before every trip you run through your checks before venturing into avalanche terrain.

Recent Avalanche Activity

No human-triggered or naturally triggered avalanches have been reported or observed over the past 24 hours.

Current Snowpack Conditions

20cm plus of new snow during this last storm, noting depth varies with altitude and exposure to the wind. Winds have been out of the South and strong to gale strength during the storm creating areas of wind slab. The wind slab that has formed on leeward aspects we are expecting instabilities to have developed within these areas. The snow pack will need time to settle and build stronger bonds after this weather event.

Mountain Weather

Moderate to strong Southerly winds for Tuesday and into Wednesday with cold temperatures remaining. Freezing level is around the 1200 m mark.

Sliding Danger

Exposed slopes to the wind where scowling has taken place.

Forecast Confidence

High

  • We are confident the likelihood of avalanches will increase with the forecast weather.
  • We are uncertain due to a limited number of field observations.

New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)

Regions covered