Queenstown
New Zealand · New Zealand Avalanche Advisory · part of New Zealand
Forecast issued 22 hours ago · valid to Jul 22
Published by New Zealand Avalanche Advisory
Current forecast
- High Alpine · above 1,800 m
- 2 · Moderate
- Alpine · 1,200 m–1,800 m
- 1 · Low
- Sub Alpine · below 1,200 m
- No rating
Highlights
Gale strength winds forming wind-slab conditions in start zones. Initial bonding strength may be poor. Making smart choices will have you avoiding areas of concern.
Avalanche problems
Wind Slabs
Possible · Size 1
Overnight snowfall totals are unknown, we do know winds will be at gale strength. Avoid the obvious traps. These are steep entries into start zones on lee aspects. Initial bonding strength will be poor.
Persistent Slabs
Possible · Size 1.5
Warm day temps are continuing the healing process. It's not completed. Avoid complicated terrain in start zones. The addition of overnight snow may be stressing these deeper weak layers.
Recent Avalanche Activity
No recent activity reported.
Current Snowpack Conditions
Cloud and warm temps combined yesterday afternoon to produce a green-housing effect to the snowpack. Moist snow surface to around 1800 m. Snow showers overnight should bond to our moist pack. Gale W winds may see wind-slab conditions develop. Start zones and steep entries is where caution is needed. Re-frozen moist snow from mid-elevations will be icy and slick. Remember, many hidden hazards sit just below a thin snowpack.
Mountain Weather
Snow showers will ease to a mainly fine afternoon. Gale W winds turning NW and moderating. The freezing level rising to 1900 m.
Sliding Danger
Slick conditions have developed. Be prepared, you will find icy, firm snow below 1700 m. Caution required in and around steep terrain.
Forecast Confidence
Moderate
- We are uncertain about forecast snowfall amounts.
- We are uncertain whether the wind will be enough to form new wind slabs.
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZ Mountain Safety Council)