Avalanche forecast

Nelson Lakes

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

A high freezing level makes loose wet avalanche danger possible again on Wednesday. Isolated wind slab may still be possible on steep and shady aspects in the high alpine. Hopeless Couloir would be an example of that terrain

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5

    Care may still be required on the shady and steep south and eastern aspects, particularly at upper elevations. Recent snow has been redistributed by strong westerly winds to these slopes.

  • Loose Wet

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5

    With a mix of sun and cloud in the forecast and a high freezing level loose wet avalanches may occur particularly on sunny aspects

Recent Avalanche Activity

Widespread storm slab activity to size 2.5 observed further north on the Main Divide. Suspect a widespread loose wet cycle to have occurred on solar aspects.

https://www.avalanche.net.nz/observations

Current Snowpack Conditions

Up to 40 cm of storm snow has fallen above 1800meters on the western side of the park, with less snow to the east. The recent storm snow was accompanied by moderate to strong winds, resulting in wind slabs at higher elevations lee to the northwest. Warmer temperatures earlier in the week have resulted in a well-settled lower snowpack, and the storm snow is settling and bonding well apart from isolated wind slabs. Warmer temperatures on Wednesday and Thursday will increase loose wet avalanche danger.

Mountain Weather

Cloudy. The odd shower and sunny patch. Strong northerly winds will increase during the day. The freezing level will rise from 1800 to 2100m

Sliding Danger

Some wind-scoured slopes may be hard. Ice axe and crampons will need to be carried for mountain travel.

Forecast Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain due to a limited number of field observations.
  • We are uncertain about how the timing or intensity of solar radiation will affect the snowpack.

New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)

Regions covered