Avalanche forecast

Nelson Lakes

New Zealand Avalanche Advisory
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Avalanche danger

High Alpine · above 1,800 m
3 · Considerable
Alpine · 1,200 m–1,800 m
2 · Moderate
Sub Alpine · below 1,200 m
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Highlights

Wind slab avalanche danger will increase on south and east-facing aspects at upper elevations due to strong winds and snow from the northwest.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1.5

    Care will be required on south and eastern aspects at upper elevations new snow is redistributed by strong northwest winds. Care will increasingly be required particularly at upper elevation.

Recent Avalanche Activity

None observed in extensive aerial on the 6th. Please provide a public observation if out and about above the snow line using the link below.

https://www.avalanche.net.nz/observations

Current Snowpack Conditions

Consistent snow cover exists above 1800 meters. Below 2000 meters, the snow may overlie a hard rain crust. Ongoing strong to gale-force winds at upper elevation has promoted wind slab danger. Lower-density snow has been noted below wind-transported snow on east-facing aspects on the 6th. The bond between the new wind-transported snow and the previous snow surfaces is not that strong in places. This should strengthen with time. Few observations exist at this time at upper elevation, so caution will be required if venturing to the high alpine. Further snow loading during this storm during this weekend will increase wind slab danger.

Mountain Weather

Periods of snow down to 1500m. Up to 30cm of snow forecast for Travers Saddle during the next 24 hours. Wind increasing from 40 to 75 km per hour from the northwest. Freezing level 1700m.

Sliding Danger

Some wind-scoured slopes may be hard. Ice axe and crampons will need to be carried for mountain travel.

Forecast Confidence

Moderate

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

New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)

Regions covered