Avalanche forecast

Arthur's Pass

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
1 · Low
Sub Alpine · below 1,200 m
1 · Low
Out of date — this forecast expired last month. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

After a day of settlement, the wind slab hazard is lowering. Isolated pockets still exist at higher elevations. Caution on steep, unsurpported areas.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5

    With rain forecast tomorrow, the loose wet hazard at lower elevations will increase. If the sun has time to come out in the morning, solar/sunny aspects will also warm, increasing the loose wet hazard. Watch for surface softening and adjust your route plan according to conditions.

  • Storm Slabs

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1.5

    After days of settlement, the wind slab hazard is lowering. Isolated pockets still exist at higher elevations. Caution on steep, unsupported areas.

Recent Avalanche Activity

Nothing reported in the last few days. If you see anything, please report it in the public observations section of the NZAA website.

Further south, a loose wet cycle has occurred in the Arrowsmiths region.

Current Snowpack Conditions

The snowpack is slowly settling with time and fine weather. 125mm of rain has fallen this week, with snow above 2100m and gale NW winds. Below 2000m, there was limited new snow as the freezing level fluctuated during the last storm. Above 2000m, limited snow existed before 80cm of snow fell last week, which had a few days to settle and provide a good early-season base. Limited layers of concern exist within the old snow.

Mountain Weather

Partly cloudy with a few showers, mainly from afternoon. Winds Westerly 45 km/h, rising to gale 65 km/h in the morning, easing to 45 km/h in the evening.Freezing 2300 metres, lowering to 1900 metres before dawn.

Sliding Danger

Expect firm areas from strong winds, mostly on ridge lines and high points. Crampons and an ice axe are a good idea.

Forecast Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain about forecast rain amounts.

New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)

Regions covered