Queenstown — Avalanche Forecast

Avalanche danger in Queenstown (New Zealand) is 3 — Considerable, valid for Sunday, September 27, 2026. Published by New Zealand Avalanche Advisory.

Valid for
Published:
Maximum Danger
3 · CONSIDERABLE
QueenstownNZ-queenstown
3

Recently formed Windslabs will be reactive this morning. Avoid areas of obvious loading and poor run outs. Expert terrain analysis and decision making will be needed for safe backcountry travel first thing. Although cold, Loose Wet avalanches will be possible if the sun makes an appearance.

Danger by Elevation

Alpine3Considerable
Treeline2Moderate
Below treeline1Low

Active Avalanche Problems

Wind Slab
Wind Slab
Treeline and above
Size2/5
FrequencyLikely
StabilityPoor
Wet Snow
Wet Snow
Alpine
Size1/5
FrequencyPossible
StabilityFair
Wet Snow
Wet Snow
Treeline and below
Size1/5
FrequencyPossible
StabilityFair
Glide Avalanche
Glide Avalanche
Below treeline
Size2/5
FrequencyPossible
StabilityFair

None reported yesterday. Gale NW winds trending SW in the morning. Snow easing slowly throughout day. Cold temps with the FAFL dropping to 700m. Areas where the wind has stripped away the new snow will be very slick. Exposed West facing slopes will be areas to avoid.

10-20cm new snow to low elevation overnight. Likely loading up to 80cm on lee slopes. Expecting a reasonable bond to the warm/wet old surface in most areas.  This falls onto a wet upper snowpack in most areas. Areas exposed to the winds and stripped will have frozen and be icy today The mid and lower snowpack is generally well consolidated but thin areas are becoming wet and unconsolidated at mid and lower elevations.  Glide cracks and buckling has been observed on sunny slopes at lower elevations.

Source: New Zealand Avalanche Advisory · View Original Bulletin

Original (EN)

Frequently asked questions

What does avalanche danger level 3 (Considerable) mean?

Dangerous avalanche conditions — a single person can trigger avalanches on many steep slopes; cautious route selection is essential.

How often is the Queenstown forecast updated?

Avycast refreshes hourly; the bulletin is republished by New Zealand Avalanche Advisory usually once a day during the season.

Who publishes the Queenstown avalanche forecast?

New Zealand Avalanche Advisory — the official warning service. Avycast aggregates and translates it; always check the original bulletin.

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