Avalanche forecast

Queenstown

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
Out of date — this forecast expired 2 weeks ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Wet slide activity will increase as rain intensifies. The timing is a bit of a guess. You will need to make your own call if you're brave enough to head out into the eye of the storm. Wind-slab development will build at higher elevations. Be aware and reactive to the changing conditions.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1

    Rain is heading our way. The steeper the terrain the more likely a loose wet avalanche will be initiated. Be on the lookout for rafting, roller balling and pinwheels. Terrain traps and run-out zones will need to be avoided by all !

  • Storm Slabs

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Wind-slab will be building today. Be careful in and around complex terrain. Above 2000 m is where you will need care. Not that you'll be able to stand !!

Recent Avalanche Activity

No new activity has been noted. Snow pack tests in the hard bracket. It is all about to change team.

Current Snowpack Conditions

A wild day ahead, due to the strength of gale force N winds and perhaps rain on snow below 2000 m. Yesterday a mix of breakable crust and some good snow about higher elevations. Any new snow will certainly develop into storm slab, there will be a reactive period throughout the day. We can expect more wet slide activity. Timing and the size of events are a little unknown. Wet slides are powerful events and can entrench vast quantities of heavy snow. Pay particular attention to terrain traps. Be aware of avalanche run out zones.

Mountain Weather

Rain developing this morning, heavier about the headwaters. Wind a factor today, Northerly gale reaching over 120 kph mid-morning. The freezing level rising to 2000 m.

Sliding Danger

A warm wet day ahead. No real issues today.

Forecast Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain about forecast rain amounts.
  • We are uncertain due to the timing of the incoming weather system.
  • We are uncertain due to a highly variable snowpack.

New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)

Regions covered