Avalanche forecast

Ohau

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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Highlights

Fresh snow and strong NW winds are forecast for Thursday and Friday.

Expect increasing avalanche danger as fresh wind slabs develop and rain-on-snow weakens the existing snowpack.

Choose conservative terrain, avoid steep wind-loaded slopes and areas affected by rain, and reassess conditions carefully as the storm progresses.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1.5

    Wind slab danger is increasing on NE through SW aspects above 1500m as strong NW winds transport fresh snow from Thursday into Friday.

    Around 20 cm of new snow is expected, and strong winds will likely redistribute it into lee terrain, forming fresh wind slabs. Be cautious around ridgelines, gullies, and other wind-loaded features where these slabs are most likely to develop.

  • Loose Wet

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1

    Loose wet avalanches are likely during periods of rain on snow on Thursday. Rain falling on the existing snowpack will rapidly weaken surface layers, increasing the likelihood of loose wet avalanches, particularly on steep slopes.

Recent Avalanche Activity

27 July - Two loose wet avalanches were observed on north-facing slopes.26 July - Several size 1 wind slabs were observed or triggered by ohau ski patrol team below ridge crest on E to SE aspects.

Current Snowpack Conditions

Approximately 15–20 cm of new snow fell between 23–24 July, accompanied by strong northwesterly winds that later shifted southwest. Since the storm, consecutive cold, clear nights have promoted near-surface faceting, preserving dry, and low-density snow.

Strong northwesterly and southwesterly winds formed wind slabs on East to South aspects during the storm cycle. These slabs have continued to stabilise and have shown little to no reactivity in recent stability assessments.

Mountain Weather

Rain, heavy at times about the Divide, spreading elsewhere from afternoon. Snow lowering to 1200 metres.

wind at topNorthwesterly 70 km/h easing to 40 km/h early evening.

freezing level

Lowering to 1500 metres evening.

Sliding Danger

Firm snow conditions are present on west-facing slopes near ridgelines and at lower elevations where a rain crust exists. These hard surfaces may present a sliding hazard, particularly on steep terrain and may be cunningly hidden under new snow.

Forecast Confidence

Moderate

  • We are confident the likelihood of avalanches will increase with the forecast weather.
  • We are uncertain about forecast precipitation amounts.

New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)

Regions covered