Wanaka — Avalanche Forecast

The latest avalanche bulletin for Wanaka (New Zealand) was valid until Saturday, November 14, 2026 (danger 2 — Moderate). No newer forecast has been published — likely off-season.

Valid for
Published:

This bulletin expired on Saturday, November 14, 2026 — no newer forecast has been published.

Maximum Danger
2 · MODERATE
WanakaNZ-wanaka
2

Saturday is forecast to be warm with the freezing level due to climb to 3000m in the afternoon.   Expect to find a moist snowpack.  Wet slides (Loose Wet, Wet Slab and Glide) are possible.                               

Danger by Elevation

Alpine2Moderate
Treeline1Low
Below treeline1Low

Active Avalanche Problems

Glide Avalanche
Glide Avalanche
Treeline and above
Size2/5
FrequencyPossible
StabilityFair
Wet Snow
Wet Snow
Treeline and above
Size2/5
FrequencyPossible
StabilityFair

Wet slides (Wet Slab, Loose Wet and Glide) are likely to have occurred over the past few days.   Information regarding back country conditions is limited at this time of year.         If you see evidence of avalanches please enter a Public Observation.   Saturday - fine in the morning. High cloud in the afternoon. Light Westerly winds rising to gale force in the evening. Freezing level - 2600m lifting to 3000m PM.  Spring melt/freeze conditions generally result in an elevated sliding hazard. Be prepared to encounter icy surface conditions in places.  Recommend carrying ski crampons and/or an ice axe and crampons.  

The freezing level has been high (at least 2300m) for an extended period (10 days). Rain has been falling on and off over the past two weeks. Expect the pack to be rain affected and soft at all elevations. There has been a significant reduction in snowpack mass recently as the result of warm temperatures and rainfall. Snow cover is now very limited below about 1800m.     

Source: New Zealand Avalanche Advisory · View Original Bulletin

Original (EN)

Frequently asked questions

What does avalanche danger level 2 (Moderate) mean?

Heightened avalanche conditions on some steep slopes — careful route selection and terrain evaluation are needed.

How often is the Wanaka forecast updated?

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

Who publishes the Wanaka avalanche forecast?

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

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