Loose Wet
- All elevations
- Likelihood
- Unlikely
- Size
- 1
The snowpack may soften on steep solar aspects. The snowpack is well consolidated, so loose wet avalanches are unlikely.
Avalanche forecast
View on mapNelson Lakes
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory
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
- No rating
Out of date — this forecast expired last month. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.
Highlights
The weather will deteriorate tomorrow, with snow forecast in the late afternoon. The avalanche hazard is likely to increase over the next 48 hours as the storm progresses.
Avalanche problems
Wind Slabs
- All elevations
- Likelihood
- Unlikely
- Size
- 1
Above 2100 meters, a reasonable amount of snow has accumulated. Pockets of wind-loaded snow are possible on aspects lee to the previous northwest winds.
Recent Avalanche Activity
A previous loose, wet avalanche cycle has occurred throughout the region.
Current Snowpack Conditions
Rain as high as 2100 meters has washed away a lot of the early-season snow. Above 2100 meters, previous strong winds have resulted in a variable snowpack distribution, with the deepest snowpack on polar aspects lee to the north-west. Below 1700 meters, the snowpack is below threshold (not enough snow to avalanche).
Mountain Weather
Mostly cloudy, showers developing in the afternoon. Turning to rain at night, with snow possible to 1600 metres.
Wind at 1000 metres
Light winds. Northwesterly 30 km/h developing in the afternoon, rising to 50 km/h at night.
Wind at 2000 metres
Westerly 30 km/h rising to 45 km/h in the morning. Becoming severe gale 90 km/h at night.
Freezing level
1700 metres.
Sliding Danger
Snow remains on most of 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.
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)