Elevated Avalanche Alert level escalates preceding the onset of winter
Starting from this Saturday, June 5, the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZAA) will introduce a significant change to the way they communicate avalanche risks. The aim is to simplify the avalanche problem message for readers and better align with the forecaster's framework, making the advisory more user-friendly and easier to understand.
Currently, the "danger rose" component of the advisory shows where an avalanche problem exists at various elevations and aspects, while also applying danger ratings to these sections. However, from June 5, this will change. The new "danger rose" will only highlight areas of avalanche concern, indicated in blue.
This change does not affect any other aspects of the avalanche advisory apart from the "danger rose" component. The overall format and structure of the advisory will remain the same. It's important to note that this simplified approach is different from the methods used by some international centres.
For example, the Bridger Teton Avalanche Center, Avalanche Canada, and North-West Avalanche Center use varied forecasting and communication methods. While they do not explicitly document the use of a system exactly like New Zealand's planned avalanche problem danger rose, European centres in Austria and Italy have more traditional detailed segment-based assessments. No clear public evidence shows that these centres have adopted the NZAA's simplified rose method.
Therefore, no major international centres, including those mentioned, are confirmed to use this exact similar simplified hazard rose approach after the NZ planned change. This change is significant for anyone using the NZ Avalanche Advisory, as it will make the advisory easier to interpret, especially for those new to avalanche safety.
The NZAA hopes that this change will improve the accessibility of their advisories and help more people make informed decisions about avalanche safety. The new "danger rose" will no longer apply specific danger ratings to sections on the rose, making it a simpler and more straightforward tool for everyone.
