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
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Highlights

With a fine day tomorrow, the loose wet hazard will increase with radiation/sun on the north-facing slopes. Increasing winds could increase the wind slab hazard later in the day . Think about what's above you, with changing hazards and poor runouts, with lots of rocks only just covered.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    With the sun out tomorrow, the loose wet hazard will increase as the sun hits the slopes. Think about runouts and what's above you.

  • Wind Slabs

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5

    With increasing winds tomorrow, any loose snow will be transported to new small slab avalanche conditions. Look for blowing snow and adjust your route to the increasing hazard.

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.

Current Snowpack Conditions

80mm of rain has fallen in Arthur's Pass in the last week, with the freezing level at about 2000m and gale-force NW winds. The second half of the storm turned easterly, but only 15cm of new snow fell at lower elevations. Snow cover was zero below 2000m before the storm system and limited above 2000m.

Mountain Weather

Partly cloudy, with isolated showers developing in the evening. Winds Westerly at 30 km/h, developing in the afternoon, rising to northwesterly 50 km/h in the evening. Freezing level 1400 metres.

Sliding Danger

Expect firm areas from the sun melting and then refreezing at night. Crampons and ice axe a good idea for ridge travel.

Forecast Confidence

Moderate

  • We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast.
  • We are uncertain due to the timing of the incoming weather system.

New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)

Regions covered