Avalanche forecast

Nelson Lakes

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 months ago.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

Highlights

Very strong winds have redistributed the new snow, and pockets of windslab will persist at higher elevations. Firm conditions are likely, and sliding into rocks is a potential hazard. Winter has arrived in the region, and backcountry users must now exercise caution and travel with the right equipment for the conditions.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Strong south-easterly winds have stripped any new snow back to rocks on windward aspects and loaded lee slopes.

  • Loose Wet

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    When the sun comes out, steep solar aspects could produce loose wet avalanches to size 1.

Mountain Weather

Some morning cloud about the terrain, clearing to a fine afternoon.

Sliding Danger

Snow now covers all the main passes and tramping routes. Sliding into rock is a potential hazard. Ice axe and crampons should be part of your winter gear.

Forecast Confidence

High

  • The snowpack structure is well understood.

Recent Avalanche Activity

Suspect a loose wet avalanche cycle below 1800 meters.

Current Snowpack Conditions

Strong winds over the past week from both the NW and the SE have resulted in a highly variable snowpack distribution. There has been 20 to 30cm of storm snow above 1900m on the western side of the Park. The Angelus area has up to 15cm of snow as low as 1650 m. Pockets of windslab will exist in terrain where snow has accumulated above 1900 meters.

New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)

Regions covered