Avalanche forecast

Wanaka

New Zealand Avalanche Advisory
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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
1 · Low
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Highlights

Rain/snow and gale force North West winds are forecast on Tuesday. Expect an increase in avalanche danger over the next 24 hours.

Be patient - wait for the weather and snow conditions to improve before heading in the back country.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2

    Gale North West winds and rain/snow are forecast. Wind Slab development is likely especially, on slopes facing North East through to South West above about 1700m. Tuesday is not shaping up as a good day to be in the back country.

  • Loose Wet

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5

    Loose Wet avalanche activity is a possibility on any aspect below about 1600m. Best to give the pack time to drain and refreeze.

Recent Avalanche Activity

Observations have been hamper over the past 24 hours by a North/North West storm.

If you see evidence of avalanches in the back country please enter a public observation.

Current Snowpack Conditions

There has been a significant amount of rain/snow over the past 24 hours (25 mm in the Albert Burn). Less rain/snow has fallen further East. New snow will be landing on a shallow, weak snow pack. Buried rime crusts and facets (weak, sugary forms) have been found. Crust and facet layers will be tested over the next few days as the load sitting on them increases.

Mountain Weather

Tuesday - rain falling as snow down to about 1600m. North West gales rising to severe gale. Freezing level - 1700m.

Sliding Danger

Limited sliding danger at present.

Forecast Confidence

Low

  • We are uncertain due to a limited number of field observations.
  • We are uncertain if precipitation will fall as rain or snow.
  • We are uncertain due to variable freezing levels.

New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)

Regions covered