Avalanche forecast

Nelson Lakes

New Zealand Avalanche Advisory
View on map

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
No rating
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 2 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

With a fine day forecast, loose wet avalanches are possible on steep solar aspects. Firm snow conditions are likely, especially early morning, and sliding into rocks is a potential hazard. Snow covers all the main passes and tramping routes, so make sure you are prepared to encounter winter conditions.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    With sun in the forecast, loose wet avalanches are possible on steep solar aspects.

  • Wind Slabs

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Strong south-easterly winds have stripped any new snow back to rocks on windward aspects and loaded lee slopes.

Mountain Weather

Fine with SE winds.

Sliding Danger

Snow now covers all the main passes and tramping routes. Sliding into rock is a potential hazard. Ice axe and crampons should be part of your winter gear.

Forecast Confidence

High

  • The snowpack structure is well understood.

Recent Avalanche Activity

Suspect a loose wet avalanche cycle to have occurred on steep solar aspects.

Current Snowpack Conditions

Strong winds over the past week from both the NW and the SE have resulted in a highly variable snowpack distribution. There has been 20 to 30cm of storm snow above 1900m on the western side of the Park. The Angelus area has up to 15cm of snow as low as 1650 m. Pockets of windslab will exist in terrain where snow has accumulated above 1900 meters.

New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)

Regions covered