Video Captures Massive Avalanche Releasing on New Zealand's Tallest Peak, Forecasters Issue Warning

by admin in RSS Social News. Posted November 9, 2026

Spring has sprung in New Zealand, and while the island nation’s various ski resorts have all closed for the season, the high peaks and backcountry are still holding snow.

The New Zealand Avalanche Advisory, a nationwide avalanche forecasting and reporting service, issued a warning about spring avalanches following a massive slide that was recorded on Aoraki/Mt. Cook, the country’s tallest peak.

“Another rockfall-triggered wet slab avalanche occurred around 1 pm today near the Freshfield Glacier, Aoraki Region,” wrote NZ Avalanche Advisory on Saturday, November 7, 2026. “The avalanche was triggered at around 2,000m (6,500 ft.) elevation and ran approximately 1,500m (4,900 ft.), descending around 800m (2,600 ft.) vertically.

“With the snowpack remaining warm and saturated after recent warm weather and rain, the mountains have been quite active, with wet snow avalanches and serac falls occurring. These avalanches can be difficult to predict, and natural triggers such as rockfall and serac collapse can release unstable snow.”

Tap or click below to watch a video of the avalanche. Keep reading for more.

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The avalanche was believed to be natural, triggered by a rockfall, and no injuries have been reported at this time.

The New Zealand Avalanche Advisory is forecasting a Level 2-Moderate avalanche danger level for Aoraki/Mount Cook as of today, November 9, 2026.

“Warm and wet weather continues. The snowpack needs a few clear nights and freezes to regain strength. Rockfall and ice cliffs have been active, as well as wet slab avalanching,” reads the official forecast.

Rain is expected to fall on the region this week, which could heighten the risk for Wet Loose and Wet Slab avalanches, according to NZ Avalanche Advisory.

Stay safe out there, friends. Additional photos of the avalanche have been included below.