Loose Wet
- All elevations
- Likelihood
- Likely
- Size
- 1.5
An increase in freezing level will result in loose wet avalanches running on all aspects below 1900m. Rain on snow is possible.
Avalanche forecast
View on mapNelson Lakes
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory
Avalanche danger
- High Alpine · above 1,800 m
- 3 · Considerable
- Alpine · 1,200 m–1,800 m
- 2 · Moderate
- Sub Alpine · below 1,200 m
- No rating
Out of date — this forecast expired last month. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.
Highlights
New snow to 1700 meters, accompanied by strong winds, is expected over the next 48 hours. The avalanche hazard will increase as wind-loaded snow accumulates above 1900 meters.
Avalanche problems
Wind Slabs
- All elevations
- Likelihood
- Likely
- Size
- 1
New snow accompanied by strong winds will result in wind slabs forming above 1900 meters on aspects lee of the NW.
Recent Avalanche Activity
Suspect a loose wet avalanche cycle to have occurred in the past week.
Current Snowpack Conditions
A highly variable snowpack distribution exists throughout the region. On the western side of the range, outside of wind-accumulated pockets, there is 20 to 30 cm of well-settled snow. The Angelus area has up to 15cm of snow as low as 17000 m. Pockets of windslab will exist in terrain where snow has accumulated above 1900 meters.
Mountain Weather
Occasional rain, falling as snow above 1700 metres, easing for a time in the morning. Thunderstorms possible from 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
Moderate
- We are uncertain about forecast precipitation amounts.
- We are uncertain due to variable freezing levels.
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)