Avalanche forecast

Nelson Lakes

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
2 · Moderate
Sub Alpine · below 1,200 m
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 weeks ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Wind slab avalanche danger will increase as new snow and strong winds over the next 24 hours continue. Caution will be required as snow volumes increase towards the weekend.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2

    Strong winds and snow continue, particularly at upper elevations. Care will be required on south and eastern half-aspects as the new snow is redistributed by strong south west winds.

  • Cornices

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Cornice development is possible at ridge crest above 1800m. Care will be required as cornices may trigger the accumulated wind-transported snow below.

Recent Avalanche Activity

No observations. Please provide a public observation if out and about above the snow line using the link below.

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

Current Snowpack Conditions

Reasonably consistent snow cover exists above 1800 meters. Below 2000 meters, the snow may overlie a hard rain crust. Below 1700 meters, the snowpack is mostly below threshold (not enough snow to trigger an avalanche). The snow on the ground before this storm is expected to be reasonably strong but few field observations have been possible. With new snow falling over the next 2 days, uncertainty over the strength of the current snowpack will increase, so conservative decision-making will be required as more snow accumulates. With changing wind direction during this storm, the wind slab danger will become more widespread.

Mountain Weather

Snow showers, heavy at times, down to 900m. Approximately 30 cm of snow is forecast for Travers Saddle and higher over the next 24 hours. Gale-force south-westerlies rising to severe gale in the afternoon and evening on Friday. Freezing level lowering from 1700 to 1200m.

Sliding Danger

North-facing aspects in particular may be hard. Sliding into rock is a potential hazard. Ice axe and crampons will need to be carried.

Forecast Confidence

Moderate

  • We are confident the likelihood of avalanches will increase with the forecast weather.
  • We are uncertain due to a limited number of field observations.

New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)

Regions covered