The public will be able to check near real-time snow conditions at 10 alpine sites in the South Island for the first time this winter, as a result of a tool developed by NIWA.
NIWA collects data from Mt Philistine, Ivory Glacier, Mueller Hut (pictured), Albert Burn, Murchison Mountains, Mahanga, Upper Rakaia, Mt Potts, Castle Mount and Mt Larkins. Photo: Unsplash / Julia Hoddinott
People can access data on snowfall, the depth of snowpack, snow melt and the climate at places like Mueller Hut, above Mount Cook Village.
NIWA scientist Dr Jono Conway said the "snow and ice network" had taken 10 years to develop.
"We've been gathering data from these high-altitude weather stations for the last decade.
"This information allows us to see whether snow is tracking below or above normal for the time of year. We're hoping this tool will help people and organisations to better understand and plan for winter conditions."
Conway said snow and ice dynamics affected alpine hazards, recreation, tourism, stream ecology, hydro-electric generation, and water availability.
Updated measurements are provided every Thursday and plotted on a graph for each place, so people could see how much snow had fallen and plan for the weekend.
The information could also be used by rescue services to monitor hazards, Department of Conservation forecasters and university researchers.
NIWA collects data from Mt Philistine, Ivory Glacier, Mueller Hut, Albert Burn, Murchison Mountains, Mahanga, Upper Rakaia, Mt Potts, Castle Mount and Mt Larkins.