Avalanche forecast

Craigieburn Range

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
1 · Low
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Highlights

Strong winds are continuing for the next few days.

Wind Slabs will be present at upper elevations on the Eastern 1/2 aspects and lower down the slope from the ridge.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5

    Wind Slabs are more dense and contain smaller snow particles due to being tossed around and beaten up by the wind. These Wind Slabs will be found mostly on Eastern1/2 aspects above 1600m. The stronger the wind, expect to find Wind Slabs lower down the slope from the ridge and in very sheltered zones. Cornices indicate wind direction and could possibly grow quite large with the forecast weather. Watch for denser, hollow sounding pockets of freshly deposited snow on steep slopes above 30 degrees.

  • Loose Wet

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    An elevated freezing level and late August sun will react quickly causing roller-balling first, then possible Loose Wet avalanches on solar aspects at mid elevation. Be aware of this hazard if traveling uphill in these areas. The Torelesse Range will be warmer and possibly has a little more snow to be effected with this hazard.

Recent Avalanche Activity

2 small (Sz1) Wind Slabs trigged by explosives at Broken River, East asp , around 1700m, 24/08

Current Snowpack Conditions

Snow coverage across the forecast area is super variable. Up to 150cm in some areas down to rime covered rocks. Warm temperatures will have settled the upper pack somewhat, almost creating a spring like snowpack leaving a firm surface after overnight freezes. Around 30mm of rain to 2000m 22/08 fell then cooled early 23/08 and up to 10cm of snow has fallen to around 1200m. This all came with gale Northwest winds so will have altered the snowpack significantly.

Mountain Weather

Tuesday: Heavy rain developing about the divide in the morning, with snow to 1200m, cloudy elsewhere. Gale Northwesterly winds, sometimes severe gale. Freezing level around 1800m.

Wednesday: Heavy rain, snow lowering to 700m about Mackenzie Basin in the evening. Gale Northwest winds easing in the afternoon. Freezing level around 2000m lowering to 900m in the evening.

Sliding Danger

Ice axe and crampons are highly recommended as rain will now turn to ice at low to mid elevations. Ski Crampons will be required if adventuring on skis or snowboard.

Forecast Confidence

Low

  • The snowpack structure is well understood.
  • We are uncertain due to variable freezing levels.

New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)

Regions covered