Avalanche forecast

Craigieburn Range

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
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

We will be monitoring the hazard as this storm comes through. More snow is forecast and the hazards will increase, especially if the snowfall is heavy.

Stay tuned for updates.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1.5

    With such strong South to Southeast winds, expect Wind Slabs to form in steep, sheltered Northern aspects. These Wind Slabs will be getting larger throughout this storm cycle.

  • Storm Slabs

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2

    Storm Slabs will form on steep, sheltered slopes above 1600m initially then to lower elevations with increased snowfall. The forecast indicates a reasonable amounts of snow in this storm so travel is not recommended until this storm passes.

  • Loose Dry

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Where enough snow exists and if temperatures are cold enough, Loose Dry avalanches may be found on steep slopes slopes. With such a thin snowpack, even a small 'sluff' could have sub-optimal outcomes in consequential terrain.

Recent Avalanche Activity

No recent activity reported.

Current Snowpack Conditions

With around 35cm so far from this storm falling onto a thin snowpack, things are beginning to build now. Strong Southerly half winds have stripped many areas but will have created large deposits too.

Mountain Weather

Tuesday: Scattered rain, more persistent and heavier north of Lake Tekapo, easing by midday. Snow to 600m south of Arthur's Pass, but 1300m elsewhere. Gale Southeasterly winds. Freezing level 1700m.

Wednesday: Showers, falling as snow above 700m. South to Southeast winds. Freezing level 900m.

Sliding Danger

Wind polished surfaces and icy areas will be very slippery. consider Ice axe and Crampons if venturing out.

Forecast Confidence

Low

  • 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 about forecast snowfall amounts.

New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)

Regions covered