Avalanche forecast

Queenstown

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

The backcountry is transitioning, Wet unsupportive snow at mid/low elevations. Wind-slab conditions in start zones. Travel is not recommended.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Soft and hard slab conditions will form on slopes in the lee of strong NW winds. These conditions will be specific to start zones. Rain below 1700. Remember, snow has fallen on to bare rock/tussock.

Recent Avalanche Activity

No recent activity reported. Lots of snow transport yesterday.

Current Snowpack Conditions

Kind of a repeat of yesterday, rain/snow arriving around lunchtime. Again, gale strength NW winds will transport any new snow on to lee aspects. Ridge-line scouring back to rocks. Wind-slab conditions in start zones and around terrain features are possible. Rain on snow will continue. At lower elevations a rotten (isothermic) pack. Coverage is still thin, we are seeing a good base develop. Many hidden hazards sit just below a thin coverage.

Mountain Weather

Rain/snow sometimes heavy this afternoon. Gale strength NW winds. The freezing level high at 1700 m.

Sliding Danger

Once frosts return we will see slick conditions develop.

Forecast Confidence

Low

  • We are uncertain due to a limited number of field observations.
  • We are uncertain about forecast precipitation amounts.
  • We are uncertain due to variable freezing levels.

New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)

Regions covered