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

Rain on snow may trigger loose wet avalanches on all aspects.

Above 1800m windslabs may form on Southerly half aspects.

Prior to precipitation the avalanche danger is Low but it may increase rapidly if precipitation is heavy.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1.5

    If the sun comes out on Wednesday then loose wet hazard will rise on sunny slopes.

    If it rains, then loose wet avalanche hazard will increase on all slopes subject to rain.

  • Wind Slabs

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    If it snows at higher elevations on Wednesday then windslab may develop on lee aspects.

Recent Avalanche Activity

No avalanche activity reported.

If you see anything, please report it in the public observations section of the NZAA website.

Current Snowpack Conditions

A warm and largely consolidated snowpack at mid and higher elevations continues to gain strength. Below 1700-1800m the snowpack has been rained on and at lower elevations it is probably isothermic. There are wind stripped surfaces at higher elevations on most aspects. The threshold for avalanches is estimated at around 1500m in the west, tapering east.

Mountain Weather

Forecast for Wednesday 12 August

Occasional rain developing in the morning, turning heavier and more persistent from afternoon with snow to 1700 metres.

Wind at 1000 metres

Northeasterly 45 km/h, rising to gale 65 km/h in the afternoon.

Wind at 2000 metres

Northerly 50 km/h, rising to gale 70 km/h in the morning.

Freezing level

2000 metres.

Sliding Danger

Expect areas to be stripped back to hard surfaces from the gale winds at higher elevations. Crampons and an ice axe are a good idea, as many firmer areas now exist.

Forecast Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain about forecast rain amounts.
  • We are uncertain due to variable freezing levels.

New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)

Regions covered