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
1 · Low
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Highlights

More snow and gale force North West/Westerly winds on Tuesday.

Wind Slab development is likely as gales transport fresh snow.

Very careful terrain selection and a conservative approach will be required if you wish to stay out of trouble.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2

    Reactive Wind Slab is likely to exist on a range of aspects. However, slopes facing North through to South West above about 1700m will be particularly avalanche prone. Avoid ridge line entry points and other steep unsupported slopes if you discover deposits of stiff wind driven snow. If in doubt, choose low to moderate angled wide open slopes.

  • Loose Wet

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2

    The underlying snow pack is likely to be holding a significant amount of moisture particularly, below about 1700m. Loose Wet avalanche activity is probable. If the sun appears, expect snow to start sliding off especially, on North facing slopes.

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

Tuesday - periods of heavy rain in the West. Scattered rain further East. Snow down to 1600m. Gale to severe gale North West/ Westerly winds. Freezing level - 1900m.

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