Avalanche forecast

Ohau

New Zealand Avalanche Advisory
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Avalanche danger

High Alpine · above 1,800 m
1 · Low
Alpine · 1,200 m–1,800 m
1 · Low
Sub Alpine · below 1,200 m
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 weeks ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The wind has been out to play. Not much new snow out of this last cycle.

"Slide for life" with firm conditions is my main concern.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1.5

    Wind slab danger is possible on south west through to northern slopes . Potentially more of a consideration in the north and west of the forecast area.

Recent Avalanche Activity

A Large Natural avalanche ran to valley floor on the 32st or 1st (see photo). Not much else observed. Nothing reported in the last 72hrs.

Your observations from the back country are always appreciated via our Public Obs link

Current Snowpack Conditions

20 cm of new snow fell on the 23rd-24th, accompanied by severe NW gale-force winds. The strong winds stripped snow from west-facing slopes and exposed ridge crests. Then a clear, but sometimes windy period and 15-20cm overnight 26th into the 27th morning. Much of this blown away or relocated mid slope to West to northern slopes.

There are still some near to ground facets being observed, otherwise the previous to this storm snow pack appeared to have settled well. There was anywhere between 150cm and 50cm out there over the ground on Monday, less now with the previous winds.

With a very shallow snowpack and observed near-to-ground faceting, expect more to develop. Not currently enough loading to be a concern, but something to watch.

Mountain Weather

Partly cloudy with morning frosts and isolated showers. Rain developing in the afternoon, with snow to 1500 metres

Light north west winds and a freezing level around 1800m.

Sliding Danger

Very firm snow conditions are present on west-facing slopes near ridgelines where it has been wind blasted. These hard surfaces may present a sliding hazard, particularly on steep terrain and may be cunningly hidden under new snow.

Forecast Confidence

Moderate

  • The snowpack structure is well understood.
  • We are confident due to a stable weather pattern.

New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)

Regions covered