Avalanche forecast

Nelson Lakes

New Zealand Avalanche Advisory
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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
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Highlights

Very strong winds have redistributed the new snow, and pockets of windslab will persist at higher elevations. Winter has arrived in the region, and backcountry users must now exercise caution and travel with the right equipment for the conditions.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Strong south-easterly winds have stripped any new snow back to rocks on windward aspects and loaded lee slopes.

  • Loose Wet

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    When the sun comes out, steep solar aspects could produce loose wet avalanches to size 1.

Recent Avalanche Activity

Suspect a loose wet avalanche cycle below 1800 meters.

Current Snowpack Conditions

Light rain has fallen as high as 1900 meters, combined with strong to gale-force SE winds. An estimated 20 to 30cm of storm snow has fallen above 1900m on the western side of the Park. The Angelus area has up to 15cm of storm snow as low as 1650 m. Previous strong NW winds followed by strong Sth to SE winds have resulted in a variable snowpack distribution. Pockets of windslab will exist in terrain where snow has accumulated above 1900 meters throughout the current storm event.

Mountain Weather

Strong SE winds and a possible dusting of new snow above 1800 meters.

Sliding Danger

Snow now covers all the main passes and tramping routes. 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.

New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)

Regions covered