New Zealand · 05.11.2026
Fiordland
Level 2: 1800 m–and above · Level 2: 1200 m–1800 m
Valid until 06.11.2026 22:19
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Moderate
Danger level
2 — Moderate
Snowpack stability
The snowpack is only moderately well bonded on some steep slopes; otherwise well bonded in general.
Likelihood of triggering
Triggering is possible, primarily from high additional loads, particularly on the indicated steep slopes. Very large natural avalanches are unlikely.
Avalanche problems
Wet snow
The avalanche problem is related to a weakening of the snowpack due to the presence of liquid water. Water infiltrates the snowpack due to melt or rain.
Good timing and trip planning are important. Consider avalanche runout zones.
Affected aspects
NortheastEastSoutheastSouthSouthwestWestNorthwestNorth
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Stability
1st/2nd Nov - About 80-100mm of rain with FAFL around 2300m 31st Oct - 30 Oct - Snow showers leaving about 10 cm at 1100m and more above 29th Oct - Est 40-50cm at high elevations and less below, down to about 1300m with gale NW 28th Oct - There has been a lot of snowpack wasting in the past 3 weeks, and the snowpack is now like an early summer pack. The snow line sits around 1600/1800m on sunny aspect and 1500/1600m on shady aspects. it is a bit lower in the very heads of some valleys. Glide cracks are all over the place, especially between 1800m - 2100m. 26 Oct - 300-500mm of rain through the snowpack in 24 hours, with a FAFL around 2600m or higher. Finished off with a dusting on snow down to 1200m. 23 Oct - have had near a weak of fine weather. Snowpack is down-wasting quickly and has become settled.
Snow quality
27 Oct - Very little evidence of natural avalanche activity after the 400/500mm rain event of the 26th of Oct. A lot of glide cracks between 1700-2100m on all aspects. 18 Oct - Evidence of loose wet sluffing out of high, steep terrain around the Milford Track area Fri 2nd October- public observation from Homer area, widespread natural activity in warm rain. Freezing level was about 2300m Mon 28th Sept - Some evidence of activity over the storm on Mon 27th. Pompolona ran to almost valley floor, sz 3-4 probably. Freezing level was about 2000m
Weather
Fiordland National Park Forecast for Thursday 5th November 2026Rain, with snow to 2500 metres in the afternoon.Wind at 1000 metres - Northerly 50 km/h, rising to gale 70 km/h in the evening.Wind at 2000 metres - Northerly 50 km/h, rising to gale 70 km/h in the evening.Freezing level - Above 3000 metres, lowering to 2700 metres for a time in the afternoon and evening.Issued: 11:35am Wed 4 Nov