AVYCASTFiordland — Avalanche Forecast
The latest avalanche bulletin for Fiordland (New Zealand) was valid until Saturday, November 14, 2026 (danger 2 — Moderate). No newer forecast has been published — likely off-season.
This bulletin expired on Saturday, November 14, 2026 — no newer forecast has been published.
There has been a lot of rain and a freezing level up at around 2500 - 3000m, for the last 2 weeks. In northern Fiordland there is now very little snow left below 1800m, and in southern Fiordland there is very little snow left at all. Expect the snowpack to stay wet and weak Travel advice is typical for later spring, look out for loose snow avalanches out of any steep ground. Take note of what is happening above you if you are traversing steep terrain, gullies or under cliff-bands. Move to flatter ground if sluffing starts. Glide slab is about, so continue to stay well away from the cracked and buckled areas.
Danger by Elevation
Active Avalanche Problems
No recent observations 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. Occasional showers developing in the morning, becoming frequent in the evening.Wind at 1000 metres - Westerly 45 km/h, rising to gale 65 km/h south of Dusky Sound for a time early morning to early evening.Wind at 2000 metres - Westerly 50 km/h, rising to gale 70 km/h south of Doubtful Sound early morning.Freezing level - 2800 metres, sloping to 1400 metres in the south. Becoming 2100 metres everywhere in the afternoon. Take an ice axe and crampons if you are out exploring-
There is relatively low snow for this time of year. There last 3 weeks of warm/wet weather has resulted in big a reduction of the snowpack. Snowline ~1700m S aspects and 1800-1900 m solar aspects. 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.
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 Fiordland forecast updated?
Avycast refreshes hourly; the bulletin is republished by New Zealand Avalanche Advisory usually once a day during the season.
Who publishes the Fiordland avalanche forecast?
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory — the official warning service. Avycast aggregates and translates it; always check the original bulletin.
Nearby Regions
- Queenstown · 91 km
- Wanaka · 98 km
- Aspiring · 108 km
- Ohau · 188 km
- Aoraki/Mt Cook · 253 km
- Two Thumbs · 274 km