Queenstown

New Zealand · New Zealand Avalanche Advisory · part of New Zealand

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Avalanche danger

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

Forecast issued 17 hours ago · valid to Aug 30

Published by New Zealand Avalanche Advisory

Current forecast

Highlights

A new wind slab hazard is developing today. Avoid areas of recent loading at exercise caution at ridge top.

Stay in sheltered low angle areas for ski quality and to avoid being blown away.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • All elevations
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1

    A new wind slab hazard is developing today.

    Avoid areas of obvious loading and pick simple sheltered terrain.

    The hazard may raise to Considerable if we see more snow than forecast.

    Expect rapid loading and in unexpected areas with the high wind speeds

Current Snowpack Conditions

Approx 5cm of new snow overnight with loading lee to the W around terrain features.

The recent storm snow has now settled and bonded well to the old surface. Extensive heat effect has been observed on all aspects and elevations. Beneath today’s new snow a crust exists in almost all areas. This morning it is expected to be supportive.

Mountain Weather

Snow and wind developing. Severe Gale W winds and a 1200m FAFL.

Sliding Danger

A slick surface may exist under the new snow. Assess in easy terrain before committing to complex areas.

Forecast Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain about forecast snowfall amounts.
  • We are uncertain due to the variability of wind effect on the snowpack.

Recent Avalanche Activity

None reported yesterday.

28th Aug - Widespread rollerballing and loose wet avalanches out of steep terrain on all aspects from the Alpine (1800m).

Some reports of skier triggered wind slabs up to size 1 out of steep terrain at upper elevations - lee to the Nth.

New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)

Forecast trend

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