Nelson Lakes — Avalanche Forecast

Welcome to the 2026 winter season. There is currently very little snow in Nelson Lakes National Park. Other natural hazards still exist such as rock fall and river flooding. The forecast team will continue to monitor weather and snowpack conditions. Avalanche forecasting will commence in earnest when we have more snow on the ground. Now is a great time of year to check your mountain equipment and in particular your rescue equipment.  Change the batteries in your avalanche transceiver and remind your friend to do the same.  Get out and practice if you are feeling rusty! The New Zealand Avalanche Advisory has an excellent education section in the tabs above with a great refresher course ( https://www.avalanche.net.nz/education/online-avalanche-course ) in avalanche awareness, as well as other great resources. See you out there soon.  A fine day. Southerlies are light in the morning, becoming moderate on the tops in the afternoon. Freezing level lowering from 2100m to 1600m on Sunday. None currently

There is very little snow in avalanche start zones currently. Small amounts of snow have fallen initially to 2200m and then lowered to about 700m. The snow was accompanied by a gale-force southerly wind, which may have redistributed that snow to north-facing aspects. It is unlikely that there is sufficient snow even in the upper elevations to produce avalanches.