Aspiring
New Zealand · New Zealand Avalanche Advisory · part of New Zealand
Forecast issued 20 hours ago · valid to Jul 22
Published by New Zealand Avalanche Advisory
Current forecast
- High Alpine · above 2,000 m
- 2 · Moderate
- Alpine · 1,500 m–2,000 m
- 1 · Low
- Sub Alpine · below 1,500 m
- 1 · Low
Highlights
Small isolated pockets of wind slab may have formed overnight.
These are most likely to be found on east and south aspects above around 1900m.
Be aware that very slick conditions still currently exist below around 1650m.
Avalanche problems
Wind Slabs
Possible · Size 1
On east and south aspects, more likely above 1900m, small wind slabs may have formed with light snow and strong northwest winds on Tuesday evening.
Recent Avalanche Activity
No recent reports.
If you see any recent avalanche occurrences or have any relevant snowpack information or photos, you can share them via the Public Observations link on the NZAA home page.
Current Snowpack Conditions
A small top-up of 4- 5 cm fell last Saturday evening, with strong south-west winds forming very small pockets of windloading just under ridgelines. Previously gale westerly winds redistributed the 60- 70 cm of storm snow from earlier last week, mostly stripping west aspects back to hard ice or rock and loading east aspects above 2000m with 1-2m of dense snow. At around 1800m the snow depth is around 50-70cm and is capped by a supportive rain crust.
Although the pack appears consolidated, in some isolated areas on mostly south-facing aspects above around 1900m, weak faceted forms may be starting to develop and should be monitored with future loading.
Mountain Weather
Forecast for Wednesday
Showers, possibly heavy in the morning, easing in the afternoon. Snow to 1600 metres before dawn.
Wind at 1000 metres Northwesterly 50 km/h easing to 30 km/h before dawn, then rising to 50 km/h at night.
Wind at 2000 metres Northwesterly gale 75 km/h, easing to 40 km/h before dawn, then rising to gale 65 km/h at night.
Wind at 3000 metres Westerly gale 65 km/h, easing to 45 km/h in the morning, rising to 60 km/h at night.
Freezing level 1800 metres, lowering to 1400 metres for a time in the afternoon.
Issued: 12:50pm Tue 21 Jul
Sliding Danger
West-facing aspects have been stripped back to firm ice at all elevations. Below 1700m on all aspects where rain-soaked snow has frozen, conditions are very slick.
Forecast Confidence
Moderate
- We are uncertain about forecast precipitation amounts.
- We are uncertain due to the variability of wind effect on the snowpack.
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)