[PHOTOS] Ski Patrol Successfully Triggers Size 2 Slab Avalanche at Ōhau Snow Fields, New Zealand

The New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZAA) is New Zealand’s official backcountry avalanche forecasting network. NZAA provides public avalanche advisories for 13 regions across the country. These forecasts, explicitly written for recreational users of the backcountry, make up one component of traveling safely in ‘avalanche terrain’, along with carrying the appropriate rescue equipment and getting the proper training.

On July 15, the Ōhau Ski Patrol successfully triggered a size two slab avalanche during control work yesterday. It was located at The Terrace, at an elevation of 1,900 meters (6,200 feet) on a southeast aspect. Its width was approximately 100 meters (330 feet), its length was approximately 200 meters (660 feet), and its depth was up to two meters (seven feet).



Related: Ōhau Snowfields, New Zealand, Report: Wild, Wet & Wonderful



According to a social post, the controlled avalanche was executed due to a weak layer that formed a surface hoar during a clear weather window between July 5 and 9. “This is a textbook example: a buried layer of surface hoar supporting a thick slab—until it doesn’t,” the post said.

From today’s investigation, ski patrol also found similar weak layers in other isolated, sheltered, south-facing slopes above 1,900 meters. Ski patrol advised individuals heading into this type of terrain to be extra cautious and reminded people to take the time to assess snow conditions carefully. Persistent slabs can be tricky and surprise you in unexpected places.

According to the NZAA, the forecast for the Ōhau Region, issued today, is that the recent new snow has mostly settled out except for a potential buried weak layer on cold, shady aspects. Avoid loading such slopes and select safe lines on lower-angled slopes that have been previously exposed to sun or wind. The forecast is valid until Saturday, 19th July 2025, 13:39.

Ōhau Snow Fields season typically runs from June 21 to September 28, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Mount Sutton reaches an altitude of 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) and has a vertical drop of 400 meters (1,300 feet). The terrain is 20 percent beginner, 50 percent intermediate, and 30 percent advanced.

For more information, visit the Ōhau Snow Fields website. 

Ōhau Snow Fields Avalanche Photos











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