Avalanche forecast

Queenstown

New Zealand Avalanche Advisory
View on map

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
No rating
Out of date — this forecast expired last month. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Wind-slab conditions in random start zones. Breakable crusts trying to get there. Remember, LOW doesn't mean NO avalanches.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5

    Cold temps over the previous week helped drive a weakening trend. Warm day temps have started the healing process. It's not completed. Avoid complicated terrain in start zones. If in doubt simply choose another route.

  • Wind Slabs

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Wind-slab conditions in start zones. Look for things like loaded pillows. These suspect areas are where trouble can be found. Climbers should note the weight of a single person could be enough to tip the balance.

Forecast Confidence

High

  • The snowpack structure is well understood.
  • We are uncertain about how quickly persistent or deep persistent slabs are gaining strength.

Recent Avalanche Activity

No recent activity reported.

Current Snowpack Conditions

A few layers of concern deep within the pack. A spike in temperatures over the past few days is helping with settlement. Wind-slab conditions are few and far between. Start zones and around terrain feature is where caution and smart choices are needed. Re-frozen moist snow at lower elevations is now icy and slick. Still a breakable crust at mid-elevations. Coverage is unfortunately thin team. Many hidden hazards sit just below a light coverage.

Mountain Weather

A blue bird day ahead with a light variable breeze. The freezing level around 1800 m.

Sliding Danger

Slick conditions have developed. Be prepared, you will find slick areas in unlikely spots. Caution required in and around steep terrain.

New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)

Regions covered