Avalanche forecast

Fiordland

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
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Highlights

Areas with wind slab are possible, around terrain features and just off ridgetop, especially at the highest elevations.

If you are heading into avalanche terrain, take a conservative approach. Even a small avalanche could have nasty consequences as runouts are so rocky.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Dry

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Loose dry avalanching is possible out of the steepest terrain as the sun hits the cliff bands. Loose wet are possible in the afternoon. Take note of what is above you.

  • Wind Slabs

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5

    Areas with wind slab around terrain features, at high elevations have been observed. They may release with the weight of a person. Runouts could be rocky, icy and bare.

Recent Avalanche Activity

Loose dry activity could be heard from the cliff bands with sun, above the Milford Track 7 July.

Current Snowpack Conditions

There is a thin snow cover below 1800m, (observed from flight around Milford Track and neighboring valleys to the east 7 July).

Est. 50-80 cm of snow above 1800m from 3-5th July storm, with less at lower levels, to about 15cm at 1100m.

The first snow fall of the winter was on 24/25th June, with about 10cm at 800m in the South of the forecasting area. There was less snow in the North, estimating about 10-20 cm above 1600m, on tussock, rock and slabs.

Mountain Weather

Mainly fine.

Wind at 1000 metres - Southeasterly 55 km/h about the Fiords, but 30 km/h elsewhere. Becoming light everywhere in the morning.

Wind at 2000 metres - Southwesterly 35 km/h.

Freezing level - 1600 metres, lifting to 2000 metres for a time in the afternoon, lowering to 1300 metres in the evening.

Sliding Danger

Icy conditions are to be expected, on slabs and at higher elevations, which have been stripped back by S/SE winds. Take ice axe and crampons.

Forecast Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain due to a limited number of field observations.

New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)

Regions covered