Skiers & Trampers Advised To Take Extreme Care

Mountain Safety Council Advise Skiers & Trampers To Take Extreme Care During Severe Weather Period

Following the severe weather warning issued by MetService, New Zealand Mountain Safety Council strongly recommends that skiers, trampers and other snow and bush users take extreme care before going into the outdoors during this period.

The Mountain Safety Council’s main concerns are skiers heading into the back-country once the weather clears but while the avalanche risk remains high and other backcountry users who will find snow to very low levels.

Forecast gale-force winds and heavy snow over the South Island and lower half of the North Island today and tomorrow will make outdoor conditions treacherous. Trampers and skiers especially are advised that very stormy conditions are forecast for the North and South Island over the next few days.

AVALANCHE RISK WARNING

Mountain Safety Council Alpine/Avalanche Programme Manager, Andrew Hobman recommends that people take extreme care before heading into the mountains until weather and snowpack conditions have improved.

“As the system passes over the country large accumulations of snow are possible to low levels. This could create hazardous avalanche conditions over the next few days,” said Mr Hobman.

“If you are planning to head into the mountains over the next week - KNOW BEFORE YOU GO. Always check both weather conditions and avalanche conditions at http://www.avalanche.net.nz. Make sure that your skill level matches the conditions.”

When venturing into the outdoors the Mountain Safety Council advises everyone to use The Outdoor Safety Code. The Code and information about outdoor safety can be found on the Mountain Safety Council’s website http://www.mountainsafety.org.nz

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