High avalanche danger in the backcountry warns Mountain Safety Council

Mountain Safety Council (MSC) who operate the national avalanche forecasting site avalanche.net.nz are warning that backcountry travel in several South Island regions is not recommended on Monday and into Tuesday. There’s a possibility this elevated danger rating, the second highest of the five danger scale ratings, could continue into the week and will depend on how the snowpack changes with the clearer weather.

MSC’s CEO Mike Daisley has a clear message for those considering trips into the backcountry in the next 48 hours.

“The next couple of days don’t look good for backcountry travel. This is a good time to stay within ski field boundaries where avalanche risks are actively managed.

“Some of these avalanches could run to the valley floor, so we’re talking to trampers and hunters here as much as skiers and snowboarders.

NZ Avalanche Advisory (NZAA) lead forecaster Jamie Robertson suggests all backcountry trips are halted until more is known about how the snowpack will evolve in the next few days.

“We’ve had an intense spring storm with wintery conditions delivering over 60cm of snow in a short burst that means ‘storm slabs’ are the primary concern.

“A big storm with clearer weather to follow sets up a series of changes that can be very dangerous. If the weather that follows is sunny, there’s an elevated risk of ‘loose-wet avalanches’ as the snowpack is warmed up.

“In lay terms, these ‘loose-wet’ avalanches can run to the valley floor below as they are more like a liquid and can flow over things that might be in their way.

“Make sure you’re reading the full NZAA forecast. It’s imperative you understand the whole thing before you make any decisions about backcountry trips now and into the future.”

“Remember, the forecast is only one of three important parts to backcountry safety. You also need the rescue equipment and appropriate training to use this equipment as well as how to make good route decisions if you’re out there.

Daisley reiterates that the onus is on the participant to understand the risks surrounding them in the backcountry.

“Also worth mentioning that even if this risk level drops down there’s still a chance you’re in danger. The recent incident on Ben Lomond was on a ‘Low’ danger day. Low risk doesn’t mean no risk.”

For more information on the backcountry conditions head to www.avalanche.net.nz. It’s highly recommended you read and understand the full forecasts, not just the high-level information.

#MakeItHomeNZ

ENDS

© Scoop Media