Arthur's Pass
New Zealand · New Zealand Avalanche Advisory · part of New Zealand
Forecast issued 17 hours ago · valid to Jul 24
Published by New Zealand Avalanche Advisory
Current forecast
- 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
Highlights
With snow forecast tomorrow, the wind slab hazard will increase during the day. If more than 10 cm falls, expect to change your plans to conservative lines to keep out of steeper ground.
Avalanche problems
Wind Slabs
Possible · Size 1.5
If the snow that is forecast arrives (more than 10cm) expect the wind slab hazard to increase during the day.
Loose Wet
Possible · Size 1
With rain forecasst tomorrow, lower elevations will have increasing loose wet hazard as the rain falls. Keep out of steeper ground if its raining.
Recent Avalanche Activity
Nothing reported in the last few days. If you see anything, please report it in the public observations section of the NZAA website.
Further south, a loose wet cycle has occurred in the Arrowsmiths region after the last storm cycle.
Current Snowpack Conditions
Generally a well-settled snowpack. Limited snow cover below 1700m. There have been a couple of storm cycles this season, bringing a base at higher elevation associated with strong winds leaving a pressed snowpack with no significant layers of concern. At lower elevations (below 2000m) ice crusts exist but bonding to the ice layers has been good.
Mountain Weather
Mostly cloudy with isolated showers, becoming widespread for a time in the morning and falling as snow above 1500 metres. Winds Westerly 60 km/h, easing to 35 km/h in the morning, then rising to 50 km/h at night. Freezing level 1700 metres.
Sliding Danger
Expect firm areas from strong winds, mostly on ridge lines and high points. Crampons and an ice axe are a good idea.
Forecast Confidence
Moderate
- We are uncertain about forecast snowfall amounts.
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)