Current avalanche advisory for: Tongariro
Issued at 10/10/2016 3:41pm. Valid till 11/10/2016 6pm
High Alpine
Above 2000 meters
Alpine
1000 to 2000 meters
Sub Alpine
Below 1000 meters
Primary Avalanche Danger
Dangerous Aspects
Likelihood
Certain
Size
Largest
Likley
Unlikely
1
Trend
Time of day
Increasing
No change
Small
Decreasing
10am - 5pm
High Alpine: Above 2000m
Alpine: 1000 to 2000m
Low Alpine: Below 1000m
Highest Danger Rating
Description:
The danger rating is LOW for Loose Wet
avalanche activity on solar aspects as the sun
moves through day. This will apply where ever
there is enough snow to avalanche, between
1900m to the summits of Ruapehu. The key to a
safe and fun days touring is timing, you will want
to be atop a slope ready to ski when the slope
has released in the top few centimeters. If you
find yourself on a slope with deep boot or ski
penetration it is time to move to a cooler aspect
as this is a sure sign there has been a
decrease in stability. Steep solar aspect which
receive sun for much of the day will be the most
hazardous. Watch for pin wheeling, roller balling
and small point and release activity as
indicators of decreased stability. Apply caution in
terrain where even a small Loose Wet
avalanche can take you off your feet over a cliff or
into a narrow confined gully or terrain trap.
Strong winds and high cloud ahead of an
approaching front will limit the widespread
softening of the snowpack, this will decrease
the chance of activity through the day.
Secondary Avalanche Danger
Dangerous Aspects
Likelihood
Certain
Size
Largest
Likley
Unlikely
1
Highest Danger Rating
Trend
Time of day
Increasing
No change
Small
Decreasing
All day
High Alpine: Above 2000m
Alpine: 1000 to 2000m
Low Alpine: Below 1000m
Description:
The danger rating is LOW for Cornice Fall and
Ice Fall above 2000m on aspects facing North,
Northeast, East, Southeast and South. Further
cornice developed during a storm ending on the
morning of the 8th. Be cautious in areas with
cornice development, especially where the
cornice is large, unsupported and overhanging.
It is likely that a Cornice fall could trigger a
further slope avalanche and be aware even if it
doesn't a large mass of snow and ice hurtling
down the slope presents a significant hazard. A
cautious approach to ridge tops and slopes with
cornice is advisable.
Current Snowpack Conditions
Fine and clear spring day, this is reflected in the snowpack with a very robust melt freeze crust 10-30cm thick on all aspects. Has begun to break
down on solar aspects, expect a good release today. The crust is bridging multiple melt form layers, mostly uncohesive grains which run to
ground. Areas of very isolated wind slab 10-20cm thick has accumulated in sheltered terrain features on the W1/2 above 2000m, has not
accumulated in start zones, mainly just in the gullys. Looking forward to some Ruapehu corn goodness later.
Recent Avalanche Activity
Size 1 natural wind slab triggered by a cornice fall at Turoa ski area, this occurred on an East aspect at 2200m on a 30 degree slope during a rain
event on the morning of the 9th.
Mountain Weather
Cloud has increased today on the upper slopes, occasional clear patches and light winds with the freezing level around 2900m. Tomorrow sees a
mix bag of conditions, clear patches in the morning giving way to cloud cover and showers by afternoon, winds increasing to gale Northerly and the
freezing level around 3000m.
For more information go to: http://www.metservice.com/mountain/index
Sliding Danger
There is a significant 'Slide for Life' hazard at present, it is particularly dangerous in the mornings after the evening freeze and on shaded slopes
and ridgetops. Slopes can be life threating, turn to spring corn and return to severe ice in a few hours. Carrying an ICE AXE and CRAMPONS and
being familiar with their application is necessary to manage the various forms of ice you will encounter in the backcountry.
Forecast by Dave Wright