Avalanche forecast

Queenstown

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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Out of date — this forecast expired last month. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The weather will allow a chance to get out and have a look today. Wind-slab conditions in start zones. Breakable crusts trying to get there. A day for enthusiasts.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Wind-slab conditions have formed in start zones. Some areas will be reactive, avoid loaded pillows. Wet snow below 1700 will have re-frozen, you will encounter a breakable crust. Remember, snow has fallen on to bare rock/tussock.

Recent Avalanche Activity

No recent activity reported. Explosive control work on local fields producing minimal results. Some whumphing reported in isolated areas.

Current Snowpack Conditions

Snow showers to low levels for much of yesterday. A late spike in temperature producing rapid settlement and roller balling on sunny aspects. Wind-slab conditions in start zones and around terrain features. Any moist snow will become icy at lower elevations and a breakable crust at those mid-elevations. Coverage is still thin, a good base has developed. Many hidden hazards sit just below a thin coverage. We've had limited backcountry observations.

Mountain Weather

A good clearance during the morning. Winds strong from the W, turning SW this afternoon. The freezing level slowly rising to 2300 m late today.

Sliding Danger

Slick conditions have developed. Be prepared, you will find slick areas in unlikely spots. Caution required around steep terrain.

Forecast Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain due to a limited number of field observations.

New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)

Regions covered