Wind Slabs
- All elevations
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1.5
Wind Slab avalanches are possible above 1800m across the E 1/2. Forecast W wind will transport recently fallen snow into slabs. Avoid where possible, terrain is always the solution!
Avalanche forecast
View on mapMt Hutt
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory
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
- 1 · Low
Highlights
A fine Sunday. Conditions are pretty good considering the past 48 hours!
Avalanche problems
Loose Wet
- All elevations
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1.5
Loose Wet avalanches will be likely on the NW 1/2 at all elevation bands. Look for roller balling or recent avalanche activity as a key sign of instability, and avoid steep, rocky avalanche terrain as temperatures rise and solar input increases.
Recent Avalanche Activity
Mt Hutt Patrol triggered a size 2.5 Wet Slab avalanche using explosives on Friday morning. This was on a SE aspect at 1850m and entrained old snow, pulling right back to the ground.
Current Snowpack Conditions
25mm of rain to the ridge, followed by 35cm of snow, followed by a further 15mm of rain Friday morning, has been the tale of the tape. Above 1800m, recent snow is being redistributed into slabs across the E 1/2. Below this elevation, any recent snow has seen significant rain and drainage is establishing. Any evidence of previous crusts has been hard to find, as they had broken down at most elevation bands and on most aspects. The lower part of the pack was very well consolidated.
Mountain Weather
Fine, moderate W 1/4 winds persist. FAFL lowers to 1600m.
Sliding Danger
No sliding hazard currently exists in the Hutt Range. However, when lower elevation bands see cold temperatures and freeze, the sliding hazard will increase.
Forecast Confidence
High
- We are confident due to a stable weather pattern.
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)