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
3 · Considerable
Sub Alpine · below 1,200 m
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

The weather and snow conditions are changing constantly at present.

Multiple avalanche problems are likely to develop over the next 24 to 48 hours.

Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2

    Periods of heavy rain are forecast and early in the storm the freezing level is high (2000m). Wet slide activity (Loose Wet and Wet Slab) is probable and could occur on any aspect.

  • Wind Slabs

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2

    Snow to low levels (800m) is possible as the storm cools. The wind is forecast to shift from the North West around to the East. Wind Slab and Storm Slab are likely to form on a range of aspects. Wait for conditions to improve before heading into the back country.

Recent Avalanche Activity

Limited information currently exists regarding recent backcountry avalanche activity. A cycle of natural avalanches (Wet Slab, Loose Wet and Wind Slab) is likely to have occurred. Control work at Treble Cone on Monday produced multiple size 1 Wind Slab results on East facing slopes.

If you see evidence of avalanches in the back country please enter a Public Observation.

Current Snowpack Conditions

A significant amount of rain and snow last weekend (36mm in the Albert Burn). Recent snowfall has been redistributed by Westerly gales. A small quantity of fresh snow August 15/16th. Snow at upper elevations 12/8 (15 - 25cm) in the West and less further East. Rain to about 1850m on the 12/8. Facets (weak, sugary forms) have been found in places. These pockets of questionable strength appear to be isolated and are most likely to exist on slopes facing East to South. You would be wise to do some investigation before committing to steep, complex terrain.

Mountain Weather

Wednesday - rain with some heavy falls in the morning. Showers in the afternoon. Snow down to 800m. Strong to gale North West winds turning Easterly in the afternoon. Freezing level - 2000m dropping to 1700m AM and 1400m PM.

Sliding Danger

Rain/snow and strong Westerly winds over the past few days. Also, the freezing level has been changing constantly. Be prepared to encountered highly variable surface conditions ( including fresh snow, refrozen wet snow and areas stripped back to slick crusts). Recommend carrying ski crampons and/or an ice axe and crampons.

Forecast Confidence

Moderate

  • We are confident the likelihood of avalanches will increase with the forecast weather.
  • We are uncertain due to a limited number of field observations.
  • We are uncertain due to rapidly changing freezing levels.

New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)

Regions covered