Avalanche Forecast
Regions: North Island.
New snow and wind are forming fresh and reactive slabs at upper elevations. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully as you travel.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported.
Snowpack Summary
Small amounts of dry snow accumulate over crusts and moist snow.
The mid and lower snowpack is generally uniform, with no significant layers of concern.
Below treeline, most areas are below threshold for avalanches.
Weather Summary
Areas outside the forecast region are forecast to receive significant precipitation Sunday. There is potential for these higher amounts to trickle into the northern extent of the forecast region.
Saturday night
5 to 10 cm of snow. 40 to 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 50 to 80 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level dropping to 800 m.
Monday
A mix of sun and cloud with around 5 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 500 m.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 20 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 300 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Storm snow and wind is forming touchy slabs. Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline.
- Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.
- Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Pockets of wind slab may form as the wind deposits small amounts of new snow into leeward terrain features at upper elevations.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2