Revised Avalanche Threat Levels for Mount Aoraki and Aspiring
In the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand's Aoraki/Mt Cook and Aspiring national parks, the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZAA) is making significant adjustments to its avalanche forecasting elevation bands. This year, the changes will occur in 2024, with the aim of improving forecast accuracy during the warmer months, ensuring safe backcountry trip planning for adventurers.
The primary reason for these seasonal changes is the amount of terrain above 1800 meters elevation in these regions. As the seasons shift, the volume and nature of terrain at higher elevations impact snowfall, snowpack stability, and avalanche potential differently in summer compared to winter. To account for these variations, the NZAA adopts varied elevation bands for more precise avalanche forecasting throughout the year.
These refined elevation bands are crucial for anyone planning trips in the backcountry of the Aoraki/Mt Cook or Aspiring national parks during the summer months. The adjustments allow forecasters to better account for the region's high peaks, leading to a more accurate reflection of changing conditions at those heights.
Interestingly, the image accompanying this article depicts a view from Centennial Hut, Franz Joseph, offering a glimpse into the stunning vistas that these regions have to offer.
While the avalanche forecast for the Aspiring region will cease at the end of December 2024, the Aoraki/Mt Cook region will continue with year-round avalanche forecasting, depending on conditions. The elevation bands will return to winter settings around early June 2025, or as conditions require.
Stay tuned to the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZAA) for updates on the avalanche forecasting and elevation bands. As always, it is essential to prioritise safety when venturing into the backcountry, and these refined elevation bands are an essential tool in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
[1] New Zealand Avalanche Advisory, "Seasonal Changes in Avalanche Forecasting Elevation Bands," 2024. [2] Department of Conservation, "Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park," accessed May 2024. [3] Department of Conservation, "Aspiring National Park," accessed May 2024. [4] New Zealand Meteorological Service, "Snowfall and Avalanche Data for Aoraki/Mt Cook and Aspiring Regions," 2023.
The scientists at the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZAA) have indicated that the adjusted elevation bands in environmental-science, particularly in the Aoraki/Mt Cook and Aspiring national parks, are vital for accurate weather-related predictions during the warmer months. This is because these regions have a significant amount of terrain above 1800 meters elevation, which influences snowfall, snowpack stability, and avalanche potential differently in summer compared to winter.
