New Zealand · New Zealand Avalanche Advisory · part of New Zealand
Avalanche danger
Forecast issued 11 hours ago · valid to Sep 21
Published by New Zealand Avalanche Advisory
Wind slab danger above 1800m on steep, east-facing aspects will decrease as the freezing level rises, while loose wet avalanche danger increases overnight on Sunday and during Monday.
Wind slab danger at ridge crests and steep upper start zones, particularly on eastern half aspects above 1800m. This is due to small amounts of forecast new snow and snow available for wind redistribution. This danger will decrease as the freezing level heads to 3000m
With the forecast rise in the freezing level to 3000m loose wet avalanche danger will increase during Sunday night and Monday. The new snow will be particularly sensitive to a rise in air temperature. As the surface snow becomes wet snow, balling may start, and snow may stick to feet and skis. This may lead to loose wet avalanche activity.
No observations. Please provide any snowpack or avalanche observations using the link below.
Cover above 1800m is reasonably consistent, particularly in the west and south of the park, and a little intermittent below. A resilient ice crust below 2000m is still evident where the snow has been wind-scoured on western aspects. Rain at mid elevations has saturated the snowpack below 1800m before the freezing level dropped on Saturday night with snow to 1100m by Sunday morning. Recent new snow will have settled rapidly, with moderate air temperatures on Sunday evening. The new snow at upper elevations will be sensitive to a high freezing level.
The freezing level on Sunday evening will rise to 3000m and likely remain there until Monday evening, when it lowers to 2300m. Monday will be mostly cloudy with the odd rain shower by evening time. Westerly winds becoming gale force during the day.
The underlying snow is hard, so where the wind scours off the new snow at upper elevations, the surface will be hard. You'll need an ice axe and crampons!
Moderate
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)
