Avalanche forecast

Nelson Lakes

New Zealand Avalanche Advisory
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Avalanche danger

High Alpine · above 1,800 m
1 · Low
Alpine · 1,200 m–1,800 m
1 · Low
Sub Alpine · below 1,200 m
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Highlights

A cloudy day on Sunday with SW winds and cooler temps will lock up the snowpack, resulting in firmer conditions.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    With sunshine and high freezing levels, loose wet avalanches are possible.

  • Wind Slabs

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Above 2100 meters, a reasonable amount of snow has accumulated. Pockets of wind-loaded snow are possible on aspects lee to the previous northwest winds.

Recent Avalanche Activity

A previous loose, wet avalanche cycle has occurred throughout the region.

Current Snowpack Conditions

Warm temperatures and rain as high as 2100 meters have significantly reduced snow depth. Below 1700 meters, the snowpack is below threshold. Above 2100 meters, previous strong winds have resulted in variable snowpack distribution and loaded the higher-elevation slopes in the park.

Mountain Weather

Mostly cloudy with a few showers.

Wind at 1000 metres

Southwesterly 40 km/h, dying out in the morning.

Wind at 2000 metres

Southwesterly 60 km/h, easing to 30 km/h in the morning, then dying out in the evening.

Sliding Danger

Snow remains on most of 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.

New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)

Regions covered