Avalanche forecast

Taranaki

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
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 days ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Changing weather is helping the snowpack, but use care above 2000m on northerly aspects.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2

    Travel on the mountain needs to be carefully thought out; choose routes that limit your risk based on the variety of conditions you will encounter at the moment. Firm on exposed slopes to the southerly half with a building ice crust, where north-facing slopes have the remains of the wind-deposited storm snow. All avalanche paths are at their threshold and could produce an avalanche that will affect the upper round the mountain track. full tracks and reasonable mass in the start zones. Always carry your own avalanche rescue equipment, and ensure before every trip you run through your checks before venturing into avalanche terrain.

Recent Avalanche Activity

No human-triggered or naturally triggered avalanches have been reported or observed over the past 24 hours.

Current Snowpack Conditions

Total of roughly 30cm plus of new snow received during the recent storm above 1200m, noting depth varies with altitude and exposure to the wind. Leeward aspects have a significant amount of snow, which is now gaining good strength with the recent weather change. Northerly aspects below 2000m are moist due to warm temps, with cooler temperatures above 2000m keeping things slightly drier. Exposed slopes to the wind do have a crust, which should build some strength with overnight temperatures above 1500m.

Mountain Weather

The freezing level is hoovering around the 2000m mark with northerly winds building to strong over Saturday and showers developing.

Sliding Danger

Exposed slopes to recent winds are firming up and in place, providing a slick sliding surface.

Forecast Confidence

High

  • The snowpack structure is well understood.

New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)

Regions covered