Avalanche forecast

Arthur's Pass

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
1 · Low
Sub Alpine · below 1,200 m
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Highlights

With a fine day tomorrow, the loose wet hazard will increase with radiation/sun on the north-facing slopes. Think about what's above you and poor runouts with lots of rock only just covered.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    With the sun out tomorrow, the loose wet hazard will increase as the sun hits the slopes. Think about runouts and what's above you.

  • Wind Slabs

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1.5

    With 80+ cm of new snow above 2000m from earlier in the week, has now had a few days to settle. Isolated pockets may still exist at higher elevations. Caution on steep unsupported slopes.

Recent Avalanche Activity

Nothing reported in the last few days. If you see anything, please report it in the public observations section of the NZAA website.

Current Snowpack Conditions

80mm of rain has fallen in Arthur's Pass in the last week, above 2000m, this will be 80cm of new snow with gale NW winds so expect mid slope loading. This has new had a couple of days to settle. This has fallen on thin coverage, just covering the rocks, below 1700m limyed snow cover. Most areas where below threshold before the storm, limited glaciers have had some early-season snow but have now been rained on with heavy rain and high freezing levels.

Mountain Weather

Mainly fine, apart from some morning low cloud. Winds Light, westerly, 30 km/h, developing in the evening. Freezing level 1200 metres, rising to 1600 metres for a time in the morning.

Sliding Danger

Expect firm areas from the sun melting and then refreezing at night. Crampons and ice axe a good idea for ridge travel.

Forecast Confidence

High

  • We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast.

New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)

Regions covered